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U I think it the most beautiful ring I ever saw!” 

{page 40) 


Patty— Bride 


BY 

CAROLYN WELLS 

ti 

Author of 

The Patty Books, The Marjorie Books, 
Two Little Women Series, etc. 

Illustrations by E. C. Cas<well 



\ 


NEW YORK 

DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY 

1918 



Copyright, 1918 

By Dodd, Mead and Company, Inc. 


oct -I m 

il 

K 

'•© Cl. A 5 0 1 9 G 7 

V"% 





TO 

ONE OF THE DEAREST LITTLE GIRLS 
IN THE WORLD, 

BARBARA BUEHLER, 

THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED 


V 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER PAGE 


I 

Philip’s Chance 

Bumble Arrives 

9 

II 

25 

III 

Captain Bill .... 

42 

IV 

The Boys in Khaki . 

59 

V 

A Fire-Eater .... 

73 

VI 

A Sleighride .... 

89 

VII 

A Queer Chaperon 

105 

VIII 

In the Tea-Room . 

121 

IX 

Letters 

137 

X 

A Valentine . 

153 

XI 

Patty in Tears . ^ 

170 

XII 

Lena and Bill .... 

186 

XIII 

An Important Document . 

202 

XIV 

Helen’s Adventure 

220 

XV 

A Desperate Situation . 

236 

XVI 

The Flag and the Girl Back 



Home 

252 

XVII 

Patty and Bill 

269 

XVIII 

Patty’s Wedding . 

286 








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ILLUSTRATIONS 


“ I THINK IT THE MOST 
BEAUTIFUL RING I EVER 
saw! ” (Page 40) . Frontispiece 

“ I RATHER GUESS SOME ONE 

of Our Boys will be 
GLAD to WEAR it!” . Facing page 102 
Then again, grief, deep, 

HOPELESS GRIEF OVER- 
CAME HER “ “ 172 

She took up the tele- 
phone AND CALLED 
Patty 


242 




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Patty-Bride 


CHAPTER I 

PHILIP’S CHANCE 

“ X CAN’T stand it, Patty, I simply can’t 
I stand it! ” 

“ But you’ll have to, Phil, dear. I’m 
engaged to Little Billee, and some day I’m go- 
ing to marry him. And that’s all there is about 
it.” 

“ Oh, no, Patty, that isn’t all about it. I’m 
not going to give you up so easily. You don’t 
know how I care for you. You’ve no idea what 
a determined chap I can be, ” 

“ Now, stop, Phil. You know you promised 
that we should be friends and nothing more. 
You promised not to ask for more thatn my 
friendship — didn’t you, now?” 

“ I did but that was only so you’d stay 
friendly with me, and I thought, — forgive the 
egotism, — I thought I could yet win your love. 
[ 9 ] 


Patty-Bride 

Patty, you don’t care such a lot for Farns- 
worth, do you, now? ” 

“ Indeed I do, Phil. Why, do you suppose 
Pd be engaged to him if I didn’t love him more 
than anybody in all the world? Of course I 
wouldn’t! ” 

“I know you think so, Patty,” Phil’s hand- 
some face was grave and kind, “ but you may 
be mistaken.” 

“ I’m not mistaken, Philip, and unless you 
change your subject of conversation, I’ll have 
to ask you to go away. I should think you’d 
scorn to talk like that to a girl who’s engaged 
to another man ! ” 

“I should think I would, too, Patty. But I 
can’t help it. Oh, my girl, my little love, I 
can’t give you up. I can’t tamely stand aside 
and make no effort to win you back ! I’m not 
asking anything wrong, Patty, only don’t send 
me away; let me try once again for you, ” 

“It’s too late, Phil,” and Patty looked a lit- 
tle frightened at his vehemence. 

“ It’s never too late, until you’re actually 
married to him. When will that be ? ” 

“ Oh, I don’t know. We’ve only been en- 
gaged a fortnight, ” 

“ And I only learned of it today, ” 

[10] 


Philip’s Chance 

“ I know, I tried to get you on the tele- 
phone, ” 

“Yes, I’ve been down in Washington for a 
week or more. But, Patty, dearest, think how 
surprised and stunned I was to hear of it. I 
came right over, to learn from you, yourself, 
if it could be true.” 

“ Yes, Philip, it is true, and I’m glad and 
happy about it. I’m sorry you’ve been disap- 
pointed, but — there are others ” 

“Hush!” and Van Reypen fairly glared at 
her, “ never imply that there’s any one else in 
the world for me ! Oh, Patty, my little Patty, 
I can’t bear it.” 

His great, dark eyes were full of despair, 
his face was drawn with sorrow, and Patty for- 
gave him, even while she resented his atti- 
tude. 

“You mustn’t, Philip,” she said, gently; “it 
isn’t right for you to talk to me like that. I 
feel disloyal, even to listen to it.” 

“ I don’t care ! ” Van Reypen burst out. 
“You’re mine! You promised Aunty Van 
you’d marry me! You promised! ” 

Philip grasped her hand in both his own, and 
gazed at her so wildly that Patty was tempted 
to run out of the room. But she realised the 
[ii] 


Patty-Bride 

matter must be settled once for all, and she 
spoke with dignity. 

“ Philip,” she said, “ I don’t think you’re quite 
fair to me, — or to Billee. Is it manly to talk 
like this to the girl who is promised to your 
friend? ” 

“ No, it isn’t. You’re right, Patty.” Van 
Reypen dropped her hand and folding his arms, 
stood and looked -at her. “ But listen to me, 
girl. I shall not give up until you’re married 
to Farnsworth. If I can win you back from 
him, I’m going to do so. I shall do nothing 
wrong. But, dear, I’m so miserable, — so 
utterly heart-broken, — you won’t put me out of 
your life, — will you?” 

Now one of Patty’s strongest traits of char- 
acter was her dislike of giving pain to another. 
Philip could have put forth no more powerful 
argument than an avowal of his disappoint- 
ment. Against her better judgment, even 
against her own wish, she smiled kindly on 
him. 

“ I don’t want to put you out of my life, 
Phil, but I can’t let you talk to me like 
this, ” 

“ I won’t, Patty. Just let me see you once in 
a while, let me keep on loving you, and then, if 
[12] 


Philip’s Chance 

you really love Bill better than you do me, I’ll 
see it, — I’ll know it, and I’ll give you up.” 

“ All right, then, but you must promise not 
to tell me you care for me.” 

Van Reypen gave a short, hard laugh. “ Not 
tell you! When I don’t tell you, I won’t be 
breathing! Why, Patty, I can’t any more help 
telling you, than I can help loving you. But I 
promise not to make your life a burden, — or 
myself a nuisance. Trust me, dear. I don’t 
mean to steal you away from Bill, — unless you 
want to be stolen.” 

“I don’t!” and Patty’s smile and blush 
showed plainly where her heart had been 
given. 

Phil winced, but he said, blithely, “ Very good, 
my - lady. There’s no use being too down- 
hearted about it all. Give me my chance,- — 
that’s all I ask.” 

“ But, Phil, the time for your ‘ chance ’ as you 
call it, is past. I’m engaged to Little Billee ; — 
to me that’s as sacred, as unbreakable a prom- 
ise, as my marriage vows will be.” 

“Oh, no, it isn’t! Lots of people break off 
an engagement.” 

Philip’s lightness annoyed Patty, and her 
mood changed. 


[13] 


Patty-Bride 

“ Well, then,” she said, “ if you can so bewitch 
me that I want to break my engagement to Bill 
Farnsworth, I’ll do it, but you’ve about as much 
chance as — as nothing at all! ” 

“ I’ll make a chance ! Oh, Patty, don’t forget 
you said that! Don’t forget you said if I can 
win you away from him, I may do so ! Listen, 
dear. I’m not over conceited, or vain, but I 
do think that you don’t quite know your own 
mind, and you’re a little bit dazzled by Bill’s 
big masterfulness and you don’t realise that per- 
haps there are other things worth while.” 

“ I don’t know what you’re talking about, but 
I’ll stick to my word. And I’ll add that I 
know you never can cut Bill out, because I love 
him too much. So, there now ! ” 

“ Maybe I can’t, maybe you’re right, but I’ll 
have a go at it, all the same.” 

“ Of course, you know, I’ll tell him of this 
conversation.” 

“ Of course you may. There’s nothing under- 
handed about my determination. If I can win 
you from him, it’ll be done fairly, and in that 
case, Bill’s own sense of justice would make 
him willing to give you up.” 

“Little Billee give me up! Willingly? 
Nevairel ” 


[ 14 ] 


Philip’s Chance 

“ He would, Patty, if you told him yourself 
that you loved me more.” 

“ Oh, that ! But I’ve no expectation of ever 
doing that.” 

“Who can say? You’re a fickle little thing, 
you know ” 

“ Indeed I’m not! ” 

“ Yes, you are, and always have been. You’re 
fond of Bill just now, because he’s been doing 
the caveman act, carrying you off from the 
Blaney party, and such things, but you’ll soon 
tire of him, ” 

“ Stop, Philip ! I won’t listen to such talk.” 

Patty put her hands over her ears and pouted. 
It was nearing twilight of an afternoon in late 
January, and the two were in the library of the 
Fairfield home. Patty had become engaged to 
Farnsworth while on a visit to Adele Kenerley, 
and had but lately returned from there. 

This was her first interview with Philip since 
her engagement, and she had dreaded it, for 
she knew Phil’s stubborn and persistent nature 
would not tamely submit to an end of his hopes. 
Patty had firmly resolved that if Philip insisted 
on telling her of his love for her, she would 
refuse to see him at all; but her gentle heart 
could not let her summarily dismiss him. She 
[ 15 ] 


Patty-Bride 

temporised, not because she cared for him, or 
had the least thought of disloyalty to Farns- 
worth, but because she couldn’t bear to hurt 
him by forbidding him to come to her home. 

She tried to change the subject. She was sit- 
ting in the corner of a huge davenport, and her 
little house dress of pink Georgette was very 
becoming. She rather hoped that Farnsworth 
would come in while Phil was there, but it was 
uncertain whether he could arrive before dinner 
or not until evening. 

“ I won’t listen,” she repeated; “ if you’ll talk 
about something else, nod your head, and I’ll 
stay; but if not, shake your head, and I’ll run 
off to my own room.” 

Van Reypen nodded his head, and Patty took 
her hands away from her ears. 

“All right,” she said, smiling; “if you’ll be 
just a casual friend, go ahead and be it. But I 
don’t want to hear any more absurd talk about 
people’s breaking their engagements.” 

“ Righto! What shall we talk about? ” 

“ About Bill.” 

This might have proved a dangerous subject, 
but clever Philip would not allow it to be. He 
was honest and earnest in his love for Patty. 
He really believed that she had said yes to 

[16] 


Philip’s Chance 

Farnsworth on the spur of the moment, and 
that further thought would make her willing to 
reconsider her decision. Moreover, he was 
quite willing his rival should know of his own 
intentions, and he had only feelings of good 
fellowship for him. Philip had a sportsman’s 
nature, and his idea was to let the best man win. 
He did not attach quite so much importance to 
the fact of the engagement as most people do, 
and he truly hoped yet to win Patty’s affection 
and make her both willing and anxious to dis- 
miss Bill in his favour. 

Patty had not given him any encouragement 
for these hopes. In fact, she was so truly in 
love with Farnsworth, that it never occurred to 
her that she could ever care less for him, or 
have any room in her heart for any other man. 
But she couldn’t seem to say this bluntly to 
Philip. She found it easier to let matters drift, 
and now, as he began to speak in praise of 
Farnsworth, she listened eagerly and assented 
and agreed to all Philip said. 

“ Yes, he is splendid,” she acquiesced. “ I 
didn’t know there was such a noble nature in 
the world. You see, I’ve learned a lot about 
him since we’ve been engaged.” 

“ Oh, of course. Yes, old Bill is a corker for 
[ 17 ] 


Patty-Bride 

bigness in every way. Pm banking on his big 
nature and his broad outlook, to understand my 
case.” 

“ Now, now, you’re not to talk of ‘ your 
case’! You promised not to.” 

“ With thee conversing, I forget all — prom- 
ises ! ” misquoted Philip. 

“ Well, you mustn’t, or I’ll send you packing! 
Thank goodness, here comes Nan; now will 
you behave yourself?” 

Mrs. Fairfield came in from out-of-doors, and 
drew near the blazing log fire. 

“ Well, children, what are you discussing so 
seriously?” she began; “Philip, my friend, if 
you please, will you push that bell and let us 
have lights and some tea. I’ve been to three 
committee meetings and I’m just about ex- 
hausted. Where’s Billee-boy, Patty?” 

“ I’m afraid he won’t be here until after 
dinner. He said it was unlikely he could come 
before.” 

“Well, try to bear it, Patty. Can’t Philip 
beguile you for a time ? ” 

“ Yes, he’s a great little old beguiler, Phil 
is! ” and Patty smiled at her guest. 

“ Of course I am,” declared Van Reypen. “ I 
can beguile the birds off the trees, — but not 
[ 1 8 ] 


Philip’s Chance 

Miss Patricia Fairfield, when she is waiting for 
her big Little Billee. Howsumever, I’ll do my 
best. Do I gather that I’m asked to dinner in 
place of the absentee? ” 

“ You are not! ” replied Patty, promptly, but 
Nan said, “ Why, yes, Phil, stay. I’ll entertain 
you, if Patty won’t.” 

“ Thank you, Ma’am. That would suit me all 
right.” 

“And how about your aviation training? 
When do you begin that? ” 

“ It’s uncertain. I did expect to start for 
Wilmington next week, but matters are delayed 
by a screw loose in some of the red tape, 
and it may be a couple of weeks before I 
start.” 

“What? I didn’t know you thought of go- 
ing,” put in Patty, surprised. 

“ Yes, I’ve settled the preliminaries and I’m 
waiting further orders.” 

“ Going to Wilmington? Why, we won’t see 
you any more, then.” 

“You don’t seem terribly upset over that! 
But, you will see me, I’m afraid. Wilmington 
is not so very far off, and the course is neither 
long nor strenuous. Why, it only takes about 
four months in all.” 


[ 19 ] 


Patty-Bride 

“ And then will you really fly? Up in the air, 
in big machines? ” 

“ Such is my firm belief, Mademoiselle.” 

“And will you fall and break your neck? 
They say they all do.” 

“ I’ll not promise to do that, unless you insist 
upon it. And it isn’t done as much as formerly, 
I believe.” 

“ Why are you two sparring so? ” asked Nan, 
laughingly. “ Aren’t you good friends, at the 
moment? ” 

“ As good as anybody can be, when the lady 
he admires has been and went and gone and 
engaged herself to somebody else,” and Philip 
frowned darkly. 

“Oho, so that’s it! Well, our young friend 
here is certainly engaged to her big Western 
suitor. Now, shall I look out for a sweet little 
girl for you? ” 

“ No, thank you, Ma’am, it’s a case of Patty 
or nobody, where I’m concerned. But the 
game’s never out till it’s played out. Patty and 
Farnsworth may one or both of them yet 
change their minds.” 

“ You wouldn’t think so, if you saw them to- 
gether,” laughed Nan. “ They’re just about 
the most engagedest pair you ever saw! ” 

[ 20 ] 


Philip’s Chance 

“ Oh, come now,” said Patty, “ we don’t show 
our affection in public, Nan! ” 

“ Well, you have great difficulty not to do so. 
It’s all you can do, to hide it successfully.” 

“And why should they?” asked Phil. 
“ There’s no law against that sort of thing, is 
there ? ” 

“ Tell me more about your aviating,” said 
Patty, by way of changing the subject. “ What 
do you do to learn? ” 

“ Dunno myself, yet. They say the only way 
to learn to swim is to be thrown into the water. 
So I daresay the way to learn to fly, is to get in 
an aeroplane and start.” 

“Nonsense! You have to be taught.” 

“ Then I will be taught. But I’m going 
to be a good aviator. I’m sure I’ll like 
the stunt, and I want to begin as soon as pos- 
sible.” 

“ I wish I could do some war work,” and 
Patty sighed. 

“ Good gracious! ” said Nan, “ I don’t know 
any girl who does more of it than you do, 
Patty! When you’re not down in that old 
office doing clerical work, you’re knitting like a 
house afire. And you are on two or three com- 
mittees and you write slogans for the Food 
[21] 


Patty-Bride 

people and for the Liberty Loan Bonds, and 
oh, I don’t know what all you do ! ” 

“All of a sudden, isn’t it?” asked Philip, 
interestedly. “ Have you been doing these 
things long? ” 

“ Some of them,” said Patty. “ But I have 
done more of late. I feel so useless unless 
I do.” 

“ Yes,” said Nan, “ and then you work be- 
yond your strength, and overtax yourself, and 
the first thing you know you will be useless 
indeed!” 

“Why, Patty? Why these great works?” 
asked Van Reypen. 

“ Oh, because of Bill,” Nan answered for her. 
“ You see he’s so mixed up in war work, that 
Patty must needs to do a lot also. And she’s 
such an extremist, she’s not satisfied with doing 
a bit, it must be a whole lot of bits.” 

“ Don’t believe her, Phil,” said Patty, gaily. 
“ I do what I can, and no more. Also, Pm 
going to put a stop to this idea that Pm a deli- 
cate plant, — for Pm not. Pm as healthy as — 
as a backwoodsman.” 

“ Fine comparison. Your sturdiness is exactly 
that of a backwoodsman ! You could haul logs, 
if you want to, I dare say.” 

[ 22 ] 


Philip’s Chance 

“ Don’t be funny. But I am heaps stronger 
than I used to be. It’s a whole lot better for 
me to do things than to sit around and be 
coddled.” 

“ That’s true, Patty. What are you doing, 
that I can help you with? Any sort of work 
where you could use a pair of willing 
hands? ” 

“ But you’re going off aviating ” 

“ Haven’t gone yet! Dunno when I will go. 
In the mean time let me help you. What’s your 
newest plan? ” 

“ Well, for one thing, I’m going to help enter- 
tain the boys in khaki. A committee has asked 
me to, and if Nan agrees, I mean to devote one 
evening a week to it. Say we ask a few to 
dinner, and some more to come in the evening, 
and have some music and games and make it 
pleasant for them.” 

“ Count me in. I’ll gladly help out with such 
a program. Even after I go to Wilmington, I 
can get up here once a fortnight at least, — 
maybe, oftener.” 

“ All right. Now, what I’m thinking out, is 
how to make it pleasant for the boys we invite. 
I’d like to give them some real pleasure, not 
only some music and silly chatter.” 

[23] 


Patty-Bride 

“Such as what? I mean, what have you in 
mind? ” 

“ Well, I thought of getting some interesting 
lecturer ” 

“ Cut it out, Patty. They don’t want lectures, 
— of all things ! ” 

“ What do they want? ” 

“ I think the most of them want just a home 
atmosphere, and a few hours of pleasant com- 
pany, without much reference in the chat to 
war conditions.” 

“ Do you think so? ” 

“ Pm sure of it. If you ask half a dozen sol- 
diers and have your father and Mrs. Fairfield 
here, and a few girl friends of yours, if you 
like, I’ll guarantee your visitors will be better 
entertained than if you had the finest lecturer 
that ever droned out a lot of platitudes.” 

“ All right, Philip, you help me to get up such 
a party, and try it, — will you ? ” 

“ I sure will, and that with much quickness. 
Shall we say a week from tonight? ” 

“ Yes that will be fine. I’ll ask Elise 
and ” 

“ Don’t go too fast. I’ll find the khaki boys 
first, and then you get the rest.” 

“ All right,” agreed Patty. 

[24] 


CHAPTER II 


BUMBLE ARRIVES 

C< T X ELLO! Patty Popinjay! Where 
I I are you?” 

As a matter of fact, Patty was 
curled up in a big armchair near the library 
fire, waiting for that very voice. 

“ Here lam!” she cried in return and jumped 
up to be grabbed in the arms of a handsome, 
jolly-looking girl who came flying into the 
room. “ Oh, Bumble, I’m so glad to see 
you!” 

The newcomer laughed. 

“ Bumble! ” she exclaimed; “ I haven’t heard 
that name for years. Let me look at you, 
Patty. My! you’re prettier than ever! Well, 
I just had to come. I couldn’t resist, when I 
heard of your engagement. Where’s the man? 
Show him to me at once ! ” 

“ Oh, he isn’t here, for the moment. But 
you’ll see him soon. I’m only afraid you’ll cut 

[25] 


Patty-Bride 

me out. Why, Bumble, — Helen, I mean r 
you’re utterly changed from the little girl I 
remember.” 

“ Of course I am — in appearance, — but no 
other way.” 

“ Are you still the happy-go-lucky, hit-or-miss 
little rascal you used to be? ” 

“ Of course I am. Oh, Patty, doesn’t it seem 
long ago that you spent that summer with us? 
And to think I’ve scarcely seen you since ! Not 
since Nan’s wedding, anyway.” 

“No; and you only in Philadelphia! It’s 
ridiculous. But, I’ve tried to get you over here 
time and again.” 

“ I know it. But I went out West to Stan- 
ford, and I was there so long, I almost lost 
track of all my Eastern people. Your Best 
Beloved is Western, isn’t he? Oh, Patty, tell 
me all, — everything about him.” 

“ All in good time, Helen, honey. For now, 
I’ll just say that he’s the dearest and best man 
in the whole world, and that you’ll agree to 
that when you see him. Now, come up to your 
room, and fix yourself up. You look as if you’d 
been through a whirlwind ! ” 

“ I always look like that,” and Helen Barlow 
laughed. 


[26] 


Bumble Arrives 


She was Patty’s cousin, and had come to New 
York for a visit. She had often been invited 
and several times had planned to come, but 
something had prevented her, and as the 
Barlow family were of a most undependable 
sort in the matter of keeping engagements or 
appointments, it surprised nobody that Helen 
had not carried out her plans. Indeed the sur- 
prise was that she was really here at last, and 
Patty stared at her hard to reassure herself 
that her guest had positively appeared. 

Helen Barlow was a pretty girl, about Patty’s 
own age. Her soft brown hair was curled 
round her ears, in the prevailing mode, but it 
showed various wisps out of place, and needed 
certain pats and adjustments before a mirror. 
Her hat, a brown velvet toque, was a little 
askew, — even more so than she meant it to be, 
— and the long fur stole, over her arm, dragged 
on the floor. 

Without being positively unkempt, Helen was 
untidy, and Patty well remembered that as a 
child she had been far more so. 

The two girls went up to the room prepared 
for Helen, and soon her outer garments went 
flying. The hat was tossed on the bed, upside 
down; the stole slipped to the floor as the long 

[27] 


Patty-Bride 

cloth coat was wrenched open and one button 
pulled off by an impatient twitch. 

“ Never mind,” Helen said, “ that old button 
was loose, anyway. Oh, Patty, how trim and 
tidy you look ! ” 

It was second nature to Patty to be well 
groomed, and she would have been sadly un- 
comfortable with a button missing or a ribbon 
awry, unless intentionally so. For Patty was 
no prim young person, but she was by no means 
untidy. 

She laughed at her cousin’s impetuous ways, 
and picked up the scattered garments, as fast as 
Helen flung them down. 

“ Don’t you have a maid, Patty? I supposed 
of course you did.” 

“ Oh, we have Jane. She maids Nan and me 
both, when we want her. But she does a lot of 
other things, too. We don’t have as many 
servants as we used to. Patriotism has struck 
this house, you know, and we’ve cut out more 
or less of the luxuries.” 

“ Good for you ! I’m patriotic, too. Do 
you knit? ” 

“ Of course; who doesn’t? Now, Bumble, — 
oh, yes, I’m going to call you by the old name 
if I want to, — do try to make yourself look 
[28] 


Bumble Arrives 

tidy! Take down your hair and do it over. 
Your hair is lovely, — if you’d take a little more 
pains with it.” 

“ To be sure ! Anything to please ! ” and 
Helen shook down her short curly mop. “ Let 
me see his picture,” she demanded as she 
brushed vigorously away. “Quick! quick! I 
can’t wait a minute ! ” 

Patty ran out of the room, laughing, and re- 
turned with a photograph of Farnsworth. 

“Stunning!” cried Helen, “he’s simply 
great! Wherever did you catch him? Are 
there any more at home like him? ’Deed I 
will steal him away from you, if I possibly can. 
Oh, Patty, do you remember Chester Wilde? 
Well, he wants me to marry him, but I can’t 
see it! That’s one reason I ran away from 
home, to escape his persistence.” 

“ I do believe you’re a belle, Bumble ! You’re 
fascinating, I see. Mercy goodness, you’ll cut 
poor little me out with everybody ! ” 

“As if you cared! Now that you’re wooed 
and won ! ” 

“ Of course I don’t care. You can have all 
the others, — and there are plenty, — only, so 
many of them are going or gone to war.” 

“ I know, all my best ones have, too. But 

[29] 


Patty-Bride 

you couldn’t like a man who doesn’t want to 
fight!” 

“ I should say nixie! ” 

“ What’s your Bill do? Is he in camp? ” 

“ Oh, no. You know, he’s an expert mining 
engineer, and he’s used, — I mean, his services 
are used by the government. I can’t tell you 
all about it, because I don’t know all myself; 
and what I do know, I’m not allowed to tell, 
in detail. So don’t ask, Helen; just know my 
little Billee is doing his full duty, — and then 
some ! ” 

“Little! Is he little? He doesn’t look so, 
from this picture.” 

The photograph showed only the head and 
shoulders of Farnsworth, but it hinted a large 
man. However, Patty said, just for fun : 

“ You can’t tell from that. But I don’t 
mind how little he is, — he’s all the world to 
me ! ” 

She looked a trifle embarrassed, so, thinking 
Farnsworth must be decidedly undersized, 
Helen dropped the subject. 

Her trunk had arrived, and Jane appeared, to 
assist in unpacking. 

“ Get out a pretty frock,” Patty directed her 
guest, “ and I’ll help you get into it, and then 
[ 30 ] 


Bumble Arrives 

we’ll go down and see Nan, she’ll soon be 
home.” 

“ Where is she? ” 

“ Chasing some committee, as usual. We’ve 
both lost our individuality now, and we’re 
merged in committees. I’m a member of quite 
a number, but Nan belongs to more than I do. 
Here, Helen, put on this bluet, Georgette, 
satinet thing.” 

“ Rather dressy? ” 

“ Not too much so. It’s nearly tea time, and 
people often drop in and I want you to make 
a good impression. And for gracious’ sake, do 
your hair more carefully than that! Here, let 
me do it, — or Jane.” 

“ All right,” and Helen dropped into a chair 
before the toilette table, while the deft and 
willing Jane quickly twisted up the brown 
locks. 

“ Now you’ll do,” said Patty, after a final 
critical examination. “ Oh, wait, this sash end 
is loose.” 

“ I know, the snapper’s off. Never mind.” 

“But I do mind! Helen Barlow, you’re as 
bumbly as ever! We used to call you that be- 
cause you were as heedless and careless as a 
bumblebee ” 


[3i] 


Patty-Bride 

“ There was another reason,” Helen laughed. 

“ Yes, because you were so fat ! You’ve pretty 
nearly gotten over that.” 

“ Thank you, lady, for dem kind woids ! A 
little guarded, aren’t you? Know then, that 
my sole end, aim and ambition is to get thin, 
really thin, — slim, slender, willowy, — merely a 
slip of a girl ” 

“You haven’t quite achieved all that!” and 
Patty laughed. “ But if you’re trying to, I’ll 
help you. No sweets, you know.” 

“ Gracious, Patty, I haven’t tasted candy for 
two years! And as a sugar conserver, I’m 
right there ! Not a lump of it comes my 
way! ” 

“ Good for you ! Then, with exercise, and 
not too much sleep, we’ll soon get you into 
condition ! ” 

The girls went down stairs, and found Nan 
already there. 

“ My dear old Bumble! ” she cried; “ no, no 
Helen for me ! I knew you too long by the old 
name to change.” 

“But, Nan, I don’t like it! Please don’t. 
Such a horrid name ! ” 

“ All right, then. I’ll try to say Helen, but 
if the other slips out sometimes, you must for- 
[ 32 ] 


Bumble Arrives 

give me. Now, how’s everybody? Bob all 
right?” 

“ Fine ! In camp, of course, but he gets home 
occasionally, or we go to see him. Dad and 
Mother sent all sorts of messages and greet- 
ings, — and hoped I won’t make you too much 
trouble — as if I could!” 

“Indeed you can’t!” cried Nan, warmly. 
“ We’re just awfully glad to see you, and you 
must stay just as long as you possibly can. 
Has Patty been telling you of her latest esca- 
pade? ” 

“ She wrote me of it, — that’s mostly why I 
came. I thought the sight of the flirtatious, 
coquettish, altogether frivolous and fickle Patty 
Fairfield tied down to one man, would be worth 
seeing! ” 

“ Huh ! ” remarked Patty, “ when you see the 
man, you’ll not wonder! Anybody would be 
glad to be tied to him.” 

“ I’m going to cut Patty out, you know, Nan,” 
Helen declared, “ but it’s more likely she’ll 
throw him over and fly to some newer 
flame, ” 

“ Oh, very likely,” Patty mocked, her eyes 
dancing, “ oh, ve-ry like-/y/ When I throw* 
him over, Bumble, you have my full permission 

[33]- 


Patty-Bride 

to pick him up. But until then, — hands off my 
property! ” 

The tea things appeared then, and Patty did 
the honours, remarking, “ Yes, we do have tea, 
’most every day, and we have sugar in it, — but 
we skimp it some and we don’t have really rich 
cakes.” 

“ I’m glad to get it,” and Helen accepted her 
cup. “ I forgot to get any luncheon, and I’ll 
just make up for it now.” 

Whereupon she proceeded to devour cakes 
and biscuits, until Patty silently despaired of 
ever helping her in a quest for slimness ! 

But Patty looked at her cousin affectionately. 
Helen was so jolly and gay-looking, so whole- 
some and smiling, and so sincerely glad to be 
with them, that she made herself thoroughly 
welcome. Her dark eyes were beaming with 
good nature, her round, plump face was alight 
with good will and her laughter bubbled forth 
like a child’s. 

She put her little fat hand up to her lips. 
“ Honest, I’m trying not to giggle so much,” 
she said, “but I just can’t help it! When 
I’m happy, I have to chuckle, and that’s all 
about it.” 

“ Giggle all you like, my Hear,” said Nan, 
[ 34 ] 


Bumble Arrives 


“ I’m glad to hear it. There’s so much sad- 
ness in the world, that a truly merry laugh like 
yours is infectious and does us all good. Now, 
make yourself at home, Helen, and don’t mind 
it if I seem to neglect you. I’m not really go- 
ing to do that, but I do have an awful lot to 
see to, ” 

“ Oh, I know, Nan. And Patty has, too. But 
I’ll be a help, not a nuisance, — you see if I’m 
not. Why, Patty Fairfield! you said he was 
little!” 

The original of the photograph she had seen, 
strode into the room and when Helen saw big 
Bill Farnsworth, she knew Patty had chaffed 
her. 

Farnsworth went to Patty and grasped both 
her hands in his. 

“All right?” he said, looking deep into her 
blue eyes. 

“ All right,” Patty returned, with an answer- 
ing gaze, and so true was the sympathy between 
them, that a sort of telepathic message was 
exchanged and further words were unneces- 
sary. 

Then Farnsworth turned to greet Nan, and to 
be presented to Miss Helen Barlow. 

u She told me you were little ! ” Helen ex- 

[35] 


Patty-Bride 

claimed, looking at the broad-shouldered giant 
who faced her. 

“ Not quite that, I think,” Bill smiled at her, 
“ Patty probably called me Little Billee, which 
is her pet name for her lord and master! ” 

“ Future lord and master ! ” corrected Patty, 
“not yet, not yet, my child! ” 

“ ‘ Serene I fold my hands, and wait,’ ” Farns- 
worth quoted, with undisturbed equanimity. 
“ Pm very glad you’ve come, Miss Barlow. 
Perhaps you can entertain Patty and keep 
her from getting too impatient at the time 
that must elapse before I can take her for 
keeps.” 

“Vanity Box!” exclaimed Patty. “Me im- 
patient, indeed! Just for that, Little Billee, 
I’ll put the date six months later.” 

“Later than what? I didn’t know you’d 
decided on the date for the festal occasion. 
You told me last night you hadn’t.” 

“ I’m living up to the reputation for fickleness 
Helen has just wished on me,” Patty laughed. 
“ But I’ll give you some tea, Billee mine, if 
you’d like it. Oh, what a lot of people ! You 
make the tea, Nan! ” 

Patty left the table to welcome her new 
guests. Elise Farrington and Daisy Dow were 
[ 36 ] 


Bumble Arrives 

followed by Chick Channing and Philip Van 
Reypen. 

After introductions and greetings all round, 
Helen looked about her with an air of great 
satisfaction. 

“ This is as I thought it would be,” she said, 
contentedly; “ I do love afternoon tea, and we 
never have it at home. And I love people 
dropping in to it.” 

“ Into the tea ? ” asked Channing. 

“ Yes, in to the tea, of course. And such 
lovely people ! I want to know you all at once, 
but I suppose I’d make better headway by tak- 
ing you one at a time.” 

“ Take me first,” begged Chick, who was much 
attracted by the sprightly newcomer. 

“ No, me,” laughed Philip. “ You can get 
acquainted with me in two minutes, — I’m the 
easiest of us all.” 

“ Then I’ll leave you till the last,” smiled 
Helen. “ After all, I believe I’ll talk to the 
girls first. I want them to like me ” 

“ Oh, don’t you care about the boys liking 
you?” said Patty. 

“ They will, anyhow,” Helen retorted, and 
she sat down by Daisy and Elise, ignoring all 
the others. 


[ 37 ] 


Patty-Bride 

“ Tea, please,” said Philip, sauntering over 
to Patty, who had returned to the tea- 
table. 

“ One lump or two ? ” she asked, holding the 
sugar tongs. 

“ One and a smile,” he replied. 

Gravely, Patty dropped one lump in his cup, 
equally gravely, she gave him an idiotic smile, 
that was merely a momentary widening of her 
mouth. 

“Very pretty,” commented Phil; “don’t see 
how you manage such a sweet smile ! The tea 
is ’most too sweet, I think. Give' me another 
bit of lemon.” 

“ Here you are,” said Patty, spearing the 
lemon with a little fork. “ Now, Philip, listen 
to me. I want you to do all you can to make it 
pleasant for Bumble, — I mean, Helen, while 
she’s here.” 

“ Of course I will. I’m always nice to your 
friends, you know that.” 

“ I do know it, but I want you to be specially 
nice.” 

“ All right. Say, flowers tonight, — candy to- 
morrow, — opera invitation as soon as I can 
manage it, — a theatre party, ” 

“There, there, now don’t overdo it! No; 

[ 38 ] 


Bumble Arrives 

she doesn’t eat candy, but you may send some 
flowers.” 

“ Some to you too.” 

“ No; not to me ” 

“ Then not to her.” 

“ Oh, Phil, you said you’d be nice!” 

‘‘Well, I will; to both of you. But not to 
Bumble — I mean, Helen, alone.” 

“ But you mustn’t send flowers to me, now that 
I’m engaged. Come here a minute, please, 
Little Billee.” 

“ Yours to command,” said Farnsworth, 
approaching. 

“ Tell Philip he can’t send me flowers.” 

“ Philip, you can’t send Patty flowers,” Farns- 
worth said, obediently. 

There was a smile on his face, but in his voice 
there rang a note of command that angered 
Van Reypen exceedingly. 

“ I can send them,” he returned, defiantly, 
“ she needn’t accept them.” 

“ Leave it that way, then,” Bill said, care- 
lessly, as if the matter were of no moment. 
“ Patty, come out to the dining-room a minute, 
will you, dear? ” 

Jumping up, Patty left the room without a 
glance at Philip. 


[39] 


Patty-Bride 

Farnsworth followed her, and they went into 
the dining-room. 

They were alone there, and he took her gently 
in his arms. 

“ What is it, Patty?” he asked. “Van 
Reypen been kicking over the traces? ” 

u Yes; he seems to think he — he likes me yet.” 

“ Of course he does. How can he help it? 
But, my darling, there’s to be no petty jealousy 
between us and him. I trust you, dear, too 
well, to think for a minute that you’d listen to 
him if he says things that you don’t want to 
hear. Now, never think it will bother me, for 
it won’t. You love me, don’t you, Patty?” 

“ Yes,” she returned, and the blue eyes that 
met his left no room for doubt. 

“ Then, that’s all right. Don’t give him a 
thought. Darling, I’ve brought your ring.” 

With a smile of pleasure, Farnsworth pro- 
duced a lovely ring. It was set with a single 
pearl, which he had told Patty suited her far 
better than a diamond. 

“ Do you like it? ” he asked eagerly. “ Oh, 
Patty Blossom, do you? ” 

u I think it the most beautiful ring I ever 
saw ! ” she replied, her eyes glistening, as he 
slipped it on her finger. 

[ 40 ] 


Bumble Arrives 


“ My pearl/’ he whispered, close to her ear, 
“ my Patty Pearl. This seals our betrothal, 
and makes you mine forever.” 

“ Am I any more yours than I was before I 
had it?” 

“ No, you little goose ! But this is the bond, 
— the sign manual ” 

“ Oh, Little Billee ! what a joke ! But I accept 
my bond,— I glory in it! Oh, Billee, what a 
beauty pearl it is ! ” 

“ The purest and best I could find, — for my 
own Patty Blossom. Now, I’ve bad news, 
darling.” 

“ Bad news soon told, Br’er Fox,” smiled 
Patty, quoting from her well-beloved Uncle 
Remus. u What is it? ” 


[4i] 


CHAPTER III 


CAPTAIN BILL 

“XT’S this,” said Farnsworth, looking 
I serious. “ I have to go to Washington.” 
“ Good gracious ! ” exclaimed Patty, 
“ one would think you were booked for Kams- 
chatka or Siberia, the way you say it ! ” 

“ But I mean, I have to go there to stay.” 
“How long?” 

“ Indefinitely. I’ve no idea how long; also — 
• I may have to go further yet.” 

“ Over there? ” 

“ Yes. But that’s not likely at present. How- 
ever, it’s bad enough to go to Washington. 
How can I leave you?” 

“ I’ll go, too.” 

“ No, dear, that won’t be practicable. I shall 
be in the University Camp, drilling engineers, I 
suppose, but I want to do more and bigger 
things than that. I can’t tell you all about it, 
Posy Face, but as soon as I get further orders 
I’ll know better where I’m at.” 

[ 42 ] 


Oaptain Bill 

“ Are you bothered and troubled, my Billee 
Boy?” 

“ I am, Patty. I don’t want to worry you 
with it, dearest, and you couldn’t understand it 
all, anyway, but there is a lot of backbiting and 
undermining and wire-pulling in Washington, 
and it even mixes into Army and Navy 
matters.” 

“ Then you’ll have to be an undermining 
engineer, won’t you?” 

“Patty! You little rogue! You’d make a 
joke out of anything, I believe.” 

“ ’Course I would! Now, Billee, you mustn’t 
look so down-hearted. You’ve got me for a joy 
and a comfort, — not for a burden and a — a 
millstone about your neck ! ” 

“ I like to have you about my neck, all right, 
— but you’re a featherweight, not a millstone.” 

“Where will you be? What’s this camp?” 

“The Engineering Corps, you mean? Oh, 
well, there are a lot of units, — Camouflage, 
Foresters, Gas and Flame, Wireless, Tele- 
phone, ” 

“ There, there, that’ll do ! I’m bewildered. 
Which are you to be in? ” 

“ That’s the trouble. It looks to me as if I’d 

be in the Searchlight gang ” 

[ 43 ] 


Patty-Bride 

“ What do you know about searchlights ! ” 

“ Nothing. To be sure I’ve invented one — ” 

“ Oh, Billee, have you? And you never told 
me ! ” 

“ Hadn’t time. There’s only time enough, 
when I’m with you, to tell you what I think 
of you.” 

“ What do you think of me? ” 

The lovely face was wistful and sweet, the 
blue eyes shone with affection and the scarlet 
mouth drew down a little at the corners, for 
Patty saw by Farnsworth’s pained expression, 
that he was really disturbed at their coming 
separation and the uncertainties of his future. 

“ I think,” the big man spoke, slowly, “ I 
think you’re the loveliest thing God ever made. 
A thousand times too good for a big brute of 
a man like me ” 

“ You don’t treat me like a brute,” observed 
Patty. 

“ No; I treat you as I think of you, — a lovely 
rose petal of a girl, — who ought not to hear of 
wars or rumours of wars ” 

“Nothing of the sort, William Farnsworth! 
If I were that, I’d deserve to be put under a 
glass bell, and left there to die of asphyxiation ! 
I’m not a silly roseleaf, — I’m a willing, work- 
[ 44 ] 


Captain Bill 

ing patriot! Why, I’m as energetic as — as 
Molly Pitcher or Barbara Frietchie — or Joan 
of Arc!” 

“That’s right, dear, that’s the right spirit! 
But you know, Pattibelle, you’re not physically 
fitted to go on the rampage, as your flashing 
eyes indicate. You’re the sort who must ‘ stay, 
stay at home my heart and rest; homekeeping 
hearts are happiest.’ ” 

“ Little Billee, you do quote the beautifullest 
poetry! Where do you pick it all up? ” 

“ Oh, I’ve a store of it somewhere in the top 
of my head. And I mean no disparagement 
of your enthusiasm, Patty, but you can’t do 

hard work, and so ” 

“ And so I must knit and knit and knit, I 
s’pose! Billee, dear, when you go to Wash- 
ington why can’t I go too, and work in the 
Canteen Department? ” 

Farnsworth smiled at her. u Do you know 
what the Canteen Department is?” 

u Not exactly; but Louise Dempster has gone 
to it, ” 

“ Oh, it’s the Commissariat Department, but 

it’s no place for you ” 

“Why?” 

“ There, there, don’t snap my head off ! Only 

[ 45 ] 


Patty-Bride 

because you’re not robust enough for the work. 
If you’re going in for real help, there’s always 
the hospital or ambulance work.” 

“ I — I couldn’t, Billee ! I — I’d faint, I know ! 
Oh, dear, I’m no good, and never was and 
never will be ! ” 

“ Not so very much good to your Uncle 
Samuel I admit,” and Farnsworth grinned at 
her, “ but a whole heap of good to one of his 
humble citizens.” 

“ Which one?” 

“This one!” and Bill grabbed her in his 
arms. 

“ Drop me,” Patty murmured, half smothered 
in his shoulder, “ somebody’s coming! ” 

“ Let ’em ! ” But he set her down and began 
to speak seriously. “ You do all you can for 
the Red Cross, dear, and that will be your 
share. Now, don’t worry over it, or think you 
ought to get into the game in any other way. 
You can’t do it, but you can and do accomplish 
a whole lot, — besides your knitting. Blossom 
Girl, remember Vm in this world, as well as the 
rest of the U. S. A. and you’ll give me of your 
love and fealty and ,” 

“ Do you think I will, Sweet William? ” 

Patty’s very soul looked out of her earnest 

[ 46 ] 


Captain Bill 

eyes, and Farnsworth kissed her reverently, “ I 
know you will, darling. Now, you’ve helped 
me a lot already by your cheery and pleasant 
attitude about my going away ” 

“ But I don’t know all about it yet.” 

“ I don’t know much myself. I’ll have further 
instructions soon ” 

“ And a uniform? ” 

“ Of course. I’ll rank as a Captain, and ” 

“ Oh, Captain Bill ! How I will love you 
then ! Come in the other room, I must tell of 
it! Nan, Billee’s going to have a uniform! ” 

“ Heavenly! ” cried Helen Barlow. “ Oh, I 
adore uniforms! And Mr. Farnsworth will be 
stunning in one ! ” 

“ You may call him Bill, if you like,” said 
Patty, in the generosity of her enthusiasm. 

“ All right,” said Helen, “ but I don’t think 
it suits him. William is much more digni- 
fied.” 

“ Make it William, then,” and Farnsworth 
smiled at the saucy-faced girl. 

“ Captain Farnsworth is the best,” said Elise. 
“ The title becomes you, Bill, and I know the 
uniform will.” 

“ I’m going to have a uniform too,” said Van 
Reypen, “ won’t it become me? ” 

[ 47 ] 


Patty-Bride 

“ Me, too,” chimed in Channing. “ I’m ex- 
pecting to be ordered to France any minute.” 

“ Why, Chickering Channing! I didn’t know 
that,” cried Patty. “ What are you? ” 

“ I’m an Officier de liaison ” 

“ What in the world is that? ” 

“ It’s really nothing but an interpreter. But 
the French term is so much more impressive.” 

“ Indeed it is. What do you interpret? ” 

“ Words otherwise unintelligible.” 

“ But I don’t understand — ” 

“ Then I’ll be pleased to interpret for you. 
You see, if a French soldier wants to confide a 
state secret to an English-speaking comrade, 
and if he doesn’t know a word of English, nor 
the other chap any French, — what’s to be 
did?” 

“ Oh, I see ! ” cried Helen, “ they call 
you in ! ” 

“ Exactly, Miss Barlow. And being conver- 
sant with and fluent in all known tongues, — I’m 
just a walking Tower of Babel.” 

“ A walking dictionary, you mean,” laughed 
Helen. “ I think that’s a pretty fine position 
you hold. I never heard of it before. What’s 
your rank? ” 

“ Lieutenant, — very much at your service, 
[ 48 ] 


Captain Bill 

Mademoiselle. Shortly, I shall don my khaki, 
and then I hope, at last, I’ll be respected by my 
fellow men.” 

“ That’s so, Chick,” said Patty, mercilessly, 
“ you’ve always been such a cutup — well, of 
course, you were respected, — but nobody really 
stood in awe of you. But a Lieutenant, — oh, 
I’m proud of my friends! ” 

“ Isn’t it glorious! ” cried Helen, and she flew 
to the .piano and began playing patriotic airs. 
They all joined and a brave chorus of young 
voices rang out the avowal that the Yanks were 
coming over there ! 

So enthusiastically did Helen pound the keys 
that her hair shook loose from its pins and came 
tumbling round her shoulders. 

“ Now, now, Bumble,” remonstrated Patty, 
“ don’t do so, — it isn’t done ! Here, I’ll fix it 
for you.” 

But Helen only laughed, and nimbly twisted 
up her tousled locks, and thrust hairpins in to 
hold them in a hard and unbecoming knot at 
the back of her head. 

“ It doesn’t look a bit nice,” Elise warned her. 
“ Better let Patty rearrange it.” 

“ Nope, I don’t care,” and the wilful girl kept 
on playing and laughed as she shook her head. 
[ 49 ] 


Patty-Bride 

The shaking sent her hair down again, and 
this time Patty determinedly went to her and 
dressed it for her. 

“ Sit still, you naughty ! ” she said, herself 
shaking with laughter. “ Oh, Bumble, you 
haven’t grown up a bit ! ” 

Patty did up her cousin’s hair prettily and 
skewered it firmly into place with many hair- 
pins, and it didn’t come down again. 

“And are you going down to Washington, 
too, Chick? ” Daisy Dow asked. 

“ Sooner or later, yes. That’s the road to all 
war glory.” 

“ And you don’t know when? ” 

“ You nor I nor nobody knows. You see, 
Daisy, in war affairs nobody knows anything 
and if they do they’re not allowed to tell 
it.” 

“ But just among us, — we wouldn’t tell any- 
body.” 

“ The walls have ears,” said Chick, mock- 
dramatically. 

“ And Rumour has a thousand tongues,” 
added Farnsworth, “ it’s a dangerous com- 
bination.” 

A week later the two went to Washington. 
Sent for nearly at the same time, Farnsworth 
[ 50 ] 


Captain Bill 

and Channing were to go to Washington, 
though their work there was widely different. 

The night before their departure, there was a 
gathering of the clan at Patty’s home. 

Farnsworth begged her not to have others 
there on their last evening together, but Patty’s 
wise little head thought it better to have a 
party. 

“ You see,” she said to Nan, “ if I spend the 
evening alone with my Billee Boy, he’ll be so 
sad and blue, and I’ll be so weepy and red, — 
we’ll have an awful time! It’s a whole lot 
better to have the crowd here and let him go 
off in a blaze of glory! Patriotism is good for 
homesickness.” 

And, too, Patty was trying to entertain Helen 
pleasantly, and so she made many little parties 
for her. 

The plan of entertaining the other soldiers 
was postponed until they could do no more 
for their own friends, and the little party to 
speed their parting, though small, was gay and 
festive. 

“ A dance,” Patty decided. “ I don’t want 
just a sit-around, woeful, sighful time. A 
good, lively dance, and a nice supper, and 
then ” 


Patty-Bride 

Patty choked, and Nan seeing the springing 
tears, quickly began to discuss details of the 
supper. 

The evening came, and Patty dressed in white, 
went to Helen’s room to make sure she was 
in proper order. 

“Why, Helen Barlow!” she exclaimed; “if 
you’re not an apple-pie pink of perfection! 
Not a bow coming off, and your hair positively 
looks as if it would stay put! ” 

“ Don’t tease me, Patty. Truly, Pm trying 
to do better, ” 

“You dear old thing! I was a wretch to 
seem to tease you. Wait till this ball is over 
and you get off that very bewitching frock, and 
I’ll give you a kiss of forgiveness! ” 

Helen looked very pretty in her evening dress 
of soft, thin pink, with touches of silver lace, 
and silver slippers. 

“ You’re a fairy,” said Patty. “ How that 
frock becomes you. Now, be gay and festive, 
won’t you, Helen, honey, for I feel as if I 
should burst into a flood of tears every 
minute ! ” 

“ Go on down, Patty,” said Helen, drawing 
back, “ I hear Billee’s voice, and he’ll want you 
alone.” 


[ 52 ] 


Captain Bill 

“No; I can’t. If I do, I’ll cry. Come 
along.” 

So both girls ran down stairs, and shrieked 
with delight at the sight of Farnsworth in 
uniform. 

“ I knew you’d be stunning,” said Helen, 
“ but I didn’t know you’d look like a Herculean 
statue ! ” 

“ He doesn’t,” cried Patty, “ he looks like 
a — a General! He ought to be — oh, what 
do you call it when you have your statue 
taken?” 

“ Sculped,” said Helen. 

“Yes, that’s it! He ought to be sculped in 
marble or bronze or whatever is most used for 
statues this year ! ” 

“ There, now, kiddies, run away and play,” 
said Farnsworth, towering to his full height 
and looking every inch a soldier. 

“ No sir,” declared Patty, “ we want to look 
at you. Turn around.” 

Then Channing came, and he, too, was re- 
splendent in his new khaki, and the girls praised 
his appearance. 

“ Drink it in, Bill,” Chick said. “ It’ll be a 
long time before we get any more of this sort 
of thing! Somepin tells me the people we’re 
[ 53 ] 


Patty-Bride 

going amongst won’t pay any special attention 
to our uniforms.” 

“ How can they help it? ” cried Helen; u why, 
I don’t believe any of the United States Army 
will look half as well as you two! You’re — 
you’re superb ! ” 

A bit embarrassed, Channing tried to turn 
the subject, but Farnsworth laughed good- 
humouredly. 

“ Let ’em rave, Channing. They enjoy it, 
and I guess we can stand it ” 

“ Pooh,” Patty said, “ you’re tickled to death 
to be so admired! Here comes Elise, now 
you’ll get more flattery.” 

And then the other guests came and the party 
soon was in full swing. 

Patty was among the gayest there. Her eyes 
shone and her smile was merry and sweet. But 
a flush showed on each pink cheek, and Farns- 
worth kept watch of her as she danced or 
engaged in light banter with the young 
people. 

Helen Barlow was frankly delighted with the 
party. She was a belle, indeed, for she was a 
charming dancer and her never-failing fund of 
fun and laughter kept her partners enchanted. 

“ I like to dance with you,” she said to Farns- 

[ 54 ] 


Captain Bill 

worth, “ ’cause you’re so big. It’s like dancing 
with one of the statues in the park.” 

“ Why do you girls look on me as a statue? ” 
he returned, laughing. “ There’s nothing 
statuesque about me.” 

“ No; not that, it’s your heroic size ” 

“ I hope that’s not all my heroism! ” 

“ I hope so, too. But are you going to need 
heroism? Bravery, I mean, and courage and 
all that. I thought you were only going to 
teach the young engineers how to shoot.” 

“ That’s part of my duty, but there may be 
other work cut out for me.” 

“ That’s what Patty thinks. She thinks, — 
because you can’t tell her all about it, — that 
you’re going to be called to some fearful 
danger ” 

“ Oh, come now, Helen, she doesn’t think 
that, does she? ” 

“ Yes she does. She didn’t exactly tell me so, 
but she can’t hide it from me. I can read that 
girl pretty well.” 

“ So can I.” 

“ Yes, but you don’t see her off her guard.” 

“ I know what you mean. Just now, she rs 
trying her best to be gay; trying so hard, in- 
deed, that she’s overdoing it.” 

[ 55 ] 


Patty-Bride 

“Yes, that’s what I mean. You can tell by 
the way she laughs. A little hysterical giggle, 
— that’s not like Patty’s own hearty chuckle ! ” 

“You’re right, Helen; and you’re a good 
friend to Patty. Pm so glad you’re here with 
her. Can you stay some time ? ” 

“ Yes, as long as she wants me.” 

“Then look out for her, won’t you? She’s 
a frail little thing, and her heart and her ener- 
gies are too big for her physique.” 

“ That’s so, Bill. But I’ll look after her, — 
all she’ll let me. She has a strong will, I can 
tell you.” 

“You two are talking about me, I can sense 
it ! ” cried Patty herself, coming up to them. 

“ We are,” said Bill, “ and I’m going to talk 
to you, instead. Helen, I see your next partner 
coming hot haste to claim you, so I’m going to 
take Pattibelle aside and treat her to a small 
lecture.” 

Willingly Patty went with him, and he led her 
to the little room which was her father’s den. 

There chanced to be no one there, so Farns- 
worth closed the door after them, and then 
gently took her in his arms. 

“ Dearest,” he said, “ you must be careful of 
my own little Patty girl while I am away.” 

[ 56 ] 


Captain Bill 

“ But I don’t want you to go,” she whispered, 
her lip trembling. 

“ I know it, dear, and I don’t want to leave 
you. But we’re always going to obey the call 
of duty, aren’t we, Patty mine? ” 

“ Y-yes, ” 

“ Then listen, sweetheart. You mustn’t 
exaggerate our parting. I’m only going to 
Washington ’ ’ 

“ I know — but — you may be sent to 

France ” 

“ Don’t cross that bridge until you come to it. 
Now, my own, — my blessed little girl, I’m 
going now.” 

“ Now?” 

“ Yes, if I stay here you’ll go all to pieces 
pretty soon. So I’m going now, and I’m going 
to say good-bye, cheerfully, even calmly, — be- 
cause it’s better so. Then you go back to the 
party and be as gay as you like, and forget our 
case entirely. Trust me, dear little girl, — it’s 
better so.” 

Patty realised the truth of Farnsworth’s 
words. She was under great nervous strain, 
and after his departure, she knew she could 
regain her poise and better conceal and control 
her feelings. 


[ 57 ] 


Patty-Bride 

“ You’re right, you dear old Billee. I’m a 
little fool, but I can’t help it. I oughtn’t to 
have planned this affair the way I did, but I 
didn’t realise, ” 

“ Of course you didn’t, and you overestimated 
your own power of will. Now, my love, my 
little sweetheart, kiss me once, for soldier’s 
luck, and then I’ll go, — and you must bid me 
good-bye with a smile, — a smile that I’ll carry 
with me always.” 

Silently, solemnly, Patty raised her face to his, 
and bending down, Farnsworth kissed the sweet 
lips that quivered beneath his touch. 

It almost unnerved him, but, determinedly, he 
smiled at her, and said, cheerily, “ I’ll write 
often and so must you, and, — why, my good- 
ness, Patty, — I’ll be back soon on leave, and 
we’ll laugh at this tragic parting.” 

“ No; we won’t laugh at it my Little Billee, 
— no, not that, — but, — we’ll try to smile.” 

“ And succeed ! Show me how, now.” 

Patty smiled with real cheer, and clasping her 
quickly, Farnsworth gave her one big, farewell 
kiss, and rushed out of the door, closing it 
behind him. 


[ 58 ] 


CHAPTER IV 


THE BOYS IN KHAKI 

“ /^\ H, it was the best plan, but I did hate 
1 I to have him run off like that.” 

“ Of course you did, Pattykins, but 
you would have flown into forty conniption fits 
if he had stayed longer. I saw you, and you 
were getting all nervous and ‘ stericky ! * ” 

“I was not! You exaggerate so, Bumble, 
and I won’t stand it! I was upset, of course, 
at the thought of his going, but I had absolute 
control of my nerves. It was all my own fault, 
— shaving the party, I mean.” 

“ You had the party for me, my child. Don’t 
think you can fool your grandmother ! But it’s 
all right, and I promised that Sweet William 
of yours that I’d chirk you up, and keep you so 
interested and amused that you’d forget his 
very existence, — let alone forgetting his ab- 
sence. Besides, there’s a strong belief current 
in the best circles that absence makes the heart 
grow fonder.” 


[ 59 ] 


Patty-Bride 

“ It can’t ours, — we’re all the fond there is, 
now! ” 

“Turtle-doves! Well, give me a bit more 
chocolate, and we’ll call it square.” 

The two girls, in boudoir gowns and caps, 
were having their morning chocolate in Patty’s 
room, and had eagerly been rehearsing and dis- 
cussing the party of the night before. 

Helen’s pretty hair was tousled and her cap 
askew, as, perched cross-legged on a couch, she 
nibbled toast and sipped chocolate contentedly. 

Patty, fresh and tidy as a rose, sat near by 
and did the honours of the breakfast tray. 

“ You see,” she said, absent-mindedly piling 
sugar into Helen’s cup, “ I’ve decided to be 
sensible about this thing/ I’m not going 


“ You’re going to get a Food Controller after 
you if you are so lavish with that sugar ! For 
Heaven’s sake, Patty, stop ! That’s the third 
spoonful ! ” 

“ Is it? I wasn’t looking. As I say, I’m go- 
ing to be sensible about Little Billee’s going 
away. He’s got to go, and so I may as well 
make up my mind to it.” 

“ Sensible, indeed ! Yet it doesn’t seem to me 
such a marvellous triumph of intellect or such a 
[60] 


The Boys In Khaki 

phenomenal force of will that brings about that 
resolve ! ” 

“ In one more minute I shall throw a pillow at 
you, Bumble ! I guess if you were engaged to 
the biggest man in the world, you wouldn’t let 
him walk off to war ” 

“ He’s going with the whole 
Of his patriotic soul, 

At the call of his country’s flag! ” 

sang Helen, trilling the refrain of a song they 
had all sung the night before. 

“ Yes, that’s it. And what am I to stand out 
against Uncle Samuel? ” 

“ That’s right, be patriotic and you will be 
happy, — you are a nice child, Patty.” 

" You would be, if you weren’t so silly! ” 

“ Me silly! Ah, well, better judges are better 
pleased! ” 

Helen rolled her eyes skyward, in mock resig- 
nation, and then began to finger over Patty’s 
engagement book. 

“To-night, Elise’s party,” she read; “will 
that be fun? ” 

“ Oh, yes, she has lovely parties. And, write 
it in there for me, Bumble, we’ve decided on 
[6 1 ] 


Patty-Bride 

next Monday night for a party for the boys in 
khaki.” 

“ All right, I’ll put it down. Who did the 
deciding? ” 

“ Phil and I, last night. He says he’ll make 
application to the Y. M. C. A. committee or 
something and have them send us the pick of 
the lot.” 

“How funny! The best-looking ones? Do 
they have to pass an exam for it? ” 

“ Don’t be idiotic! Let me tell you, the most 
desirable ones are merely the ones who most 
need a little pleasure or entertainment.” 

“ How can they tell? ” 

“ Oh, I don’t know. Perhaps the ones who 
are farthest from home and mother, — or, who 
have been ill, ” 

“ Or parted from their best girls? ” 

“ Yes, those are the saddest cases, of course ! ” 

“ Well, go ahead, I’ll be best girl to ’em.” 

“ You see, Philip knows the — the ” 

“ Chaplain?” 

“ Well, the somebody, who will pick out the 
boys, — soldiers and sailors both, and I’ve 
agreed to entertain a few every Monday night, 
for the present, anyway.” 

“ You’re a good girl, Patty; you’re all right! ” 

[62] 


The Boys In Khaki 

“ Oh, thank you, dear, for your generous 
praise ! ” 

“Yes; I foresee these parties will so interest 
and entertain you, that I’ll not have to work so 
hard to keep my agreement with your big man 
to divert your saddened and aching heart.” 

“ My heart’s outside your jurisdiction, — and 
beside, I’m doing this party to entertain you. 
You know, one can’t have a guest without mak- 
ing strenuous efforts to keep said guest merry 
and bright, please ! ” 

“ True, yes, true ! But, give me half a chance, 
and I’ll entertain myself. Give me a pleasant 
home to visit, a lovely hostess, like ” 

“ Oh, thank you ! ” 

“ Like Nan, and a few young men, and I’ll 
ask nothing further.” 

“ I seem to be left out of your scheme of 
things ! ” 

“ No, no ! my angel child, not so, but far 
otherwise ! ” 

The vivacious visitor flung aside her pillows 
and jumped up to embrace Patty in a whirlwind 
flash of affection. Greatly given to chaffing, 
Helen was truly fond of Patty, and the two 
were congenial and affectionate. 

“ Now, one more tiny pour of chocolate, and 

[63] 


Patty-Bride 

one more popover, and my matutinal meal is 
finished,” Helen said, resuming her seat. 

“ Oh, Bumble ! You know you are welcome 
to all you want, and more too, but — but I 
thought you did want to — to ” 

“To help this too, too solid flesh to melt? 
Well, so I do, — but Patsy, poppet, your 
talented cook does make such delectable dain- 
ties that I can’t resist. Just a teenty-weenty 
drop of choclum, there’s a dear, sweet cousin- 
girl ! ” 

Patty laughed and gave Helen another cup 
full of the delicious cocoa, and turned her 
glance aside, as a popover was lavishly 
buttered. 

The morning mail came" then, and as Jane^ 
brought the girls their letters, Helen took hers, 
and suddenly gave a deep and hollow groan. 

“ What’s the matter? ” asked Patty, but half- 
heartedly, as her mail contained a letter from 
Little Billee, which she was eagerly devouring. 

“Matter enough!” wailed Bumble, “that 
botheration, that pest of my existence, that 
everlasting nuisance, Chester Wilde, is coming 
here ! ” 

“Here? When?” 

“ I dunno. Soon, he says. Today, most 

[64] 


The Boys In Khaki 

likely. I think I’ll telephone him not to 
come.” 

“Why? Why don’t you let him?” 

“ Oh, he’s such a persistent — er, wooer.” 

“Don’t you care for him, Helen?” 

“ Not enough to marry him, as he insists I 
must do.” 

“ Oh, well, let him come. I’ll talk to him, if 
you don’t want to. When may he be 
expected? ” 

“ Today, I suppose. Oh, of course, he’ll only 
come to call, — and I forbid you, Patty, to ask 
him to stay to dinner — or to come again.” 

“ Wowly-wow-wow ! What a cruel fair she 
is! All right, Bumble, dear, just as you say. 
And now, scoot back to your own room, — 
unless you want more chocolate?” 

“ N-no,” and Bumble looked longingly at the 
tray. “ No, — no! of course not! ” 

Patty laughed, and gently pushed her visitor 
out of the room, lest temptation again over- 
come her. 

The Monday evenings planned for the enjoy- 
ment of the boys in uniform began to take 
shape and rapidly acquired considerable pro- 
portions. 

Philip Van Reypen was a fine organiser and 

[65] 


Patty-Bride 

Helen Barlow ably seconded his efforts, while 
Patty agreed and helped in matters of detail. 

Elise was interested and there were half a 
dozen more of their own crowd ready to help 
in any way available. Chester Wilde had put 
in an appearance and Patty liked him from the 
first. A quick-witted, pleasant-mannered young 
man, himself engaged in some clerical war 
work, he declared his willingness to come over 
from his home in Philadelphia and help with 
the Monday night parties. 

Helen Barlow’s pretended dislike of him was 
merely coquetry, Patty surmised, and then as 
the elder Fairfields approved of young Wilde, 
he soon became a frequent and welcome 
visitor. 

Patty adhered to her plan of giving the en- 
listed men evenings of real pleasure, and enter- 
tainment that was enjoyable to educated and 
cultured minds. For the first evening, they 
planned a series of Living Pictures, for, said 
the sagacious Patty, “ give ’em something to 
look at that’s pretty and they’re bound to 
like it! ” 

Elise Farrington and Daisy Dow were en- 
thusiastic workers, and Mona and Roger Far- 
rington promised any help asked for. 

[ 66 ] 


The Boys In Khaki 

As Farnsworth and Chick Channing were both 
gone away, the circle of Patty’s friends was 
depleted as to men, but Chester Wilde was a 
good help and two or three other men were 
invited to assist. 

Philip Van Reypen was still in the city, and 
his great efficiency and good taste and judg- 
ment made him a valuable ally for the cause. 

He and Patty planned the pictures, for Helen 
Barlow knew nothing of such matters and 
Chester Wilde was better at carrying out 
orders than originating plans. 

“ What do you think of this scheme,” Van 
Reypen asked of Patty as they began on the 
actual selection of subjects. “ Say, three pic- 
tures, — tableaux, you know, and have each of 
them introduce a bit of entertainment of 
itself.” 

“ Sounds fine,” she agreed, “ if only I had the 
least idea of what you’re driving at.” 

“ You will have. Here’s the gist of it. Say, 
an Oriental scene. Ladies in rich Persian 
draperies and fallals posed about; men in the 
gorgeous Eastern robes affected by our heathen 
contemporaries; all the properties and effects in 
harmony, — you know I’ve oodles of that junk 
— and the whole scene glittering and radiant.” 

[67] 


Patty-Bride 

“ Beautiful! Great! But is that all? ” 

u Not so but far otherwise. Now, after the 
eager audience have feasted their eyes on the 
sight, and you know, it isn’t to be a motionless 
picture, ” 

“ Then it must be a motion picture ! ” 

“ It is, in this sense. The ladies and the men 
walk about, or languidly wave their peacock 
feather fans, or sink gracefully on divans, but 
of course, no words are spoken.” 

“ Pantomime, then.” 

“Yes; rather like a pantomime. Well, then, 
in comes an Oriental juggler, who does 
tricks, ” 

“ I see ! Oh, Phil, that’s splendid ! Just 
what I wanted! And he does real tricks, — 
good tricks, — and they interest the audience of 
themselves, and at the same time there’s the 
beautiful scenic effect going on ! ” 

“ Yes, — a poor scheme, — but mine own.” 

“ A fine scheme ! Oh, I see enormous possi- 
bilities in it! ” 

“ Then perhaps on another occasion, a Sylvan 
scene, — a woodland effect, — and in it give a bit 
of 4 As You Like It,’ or something of that sort. 
Another time, a Venetian scene, and you can 
sing with the gondoliers.” 

[ 68 ] 


The Boys In Khaki 

“ Yes, yes, I see it all ! ” 

“ Oh, you do ! Then you’ve no further need 
of my services.” 

“Don’t be a silly! Of course I want you. 
I couldn’t do any of it alone. How long be- 
fore you go to Wilmington, or wherever you’re 
going?” 

“ Dunno ! but it won’t matter. I can run up 
here often. An aviator’s life is not a busy 
one.” 

“Really? Why isn’t it?” 

“ Oh, it is, of course, in a sense. But there’s 
not the same strenuous rush there is in other 
fields. You see we’re not fly-by-nights, for one 
thing.” 

“ Oh, yes, outside daylight hours you’re free 
to play by yourself? ” 

“ Perhaps not all of that, but, don’t you worry, 
my lady, I’ll play hookey, if need be, to get up 
here to look after your interests.” 

“ All right. Now we can’t put a whole lot of 
time and trouble on rehearsals and all that, you 
know.” 

“ No; my idea was to have these things almost 
impromptu. Let us plan it all out pretty well 
beforehand, and then let the performers each 
time come early, and get posted as to their 

[69] 


Patty-Bride 

parts, and the star performer will do the rest.” 

“ Star performer? ” 

“ Yes; I mean, each time have an entertainer, 
like the juggler ” 

“ A professional? ” 

“ Not necessarily. I know a chap who does 
wonderful legerdemain, who’d be glad to come 
to entertain Our Boys.” 

“ Oh, yes, I see. And I’ll sing.” 

“ Yes, you can sing, as special character in 
some tableau, don’t you see? You could be a 
mermaid or a Lorelei, sitting on a rock.” 

“ With a lute? ” 

“ Yes, and your hair down, and a gold comb 
and a mirror, while you comb your shining 
goldilocks.” 

“Nixy! Not my hair down. All the rest, 
but now I’m engaged, I’ve put away childish 
things.” 

“ Pshaw, don’t be a silly ! But never mind 
those details. And, too, if you don’t fancy the 
mermaid role, have a bit of a scene about ‘ tent- 
ing tonight on the old camp ground,’ and you 
can come on as a Red Cross nurse, and 
sing ” 

“ Oh, yes, and the boys in khaki can help 
make up the picture ! ” 

[ 70 ] 


The Boys In Khaki 

“ ’Course they can. And another time, we’ll 
get up a ship scene, I don’t know just how yet, 
but I’ll plan it ■” 

“We could have the mermaid come to the 
side of the ship.” 

“ Ah, coming around to the mermaid role, are 
you? Well, those schemes are all right. Now, 
what shall we choose for the first one? ” 

“ Not soldiers or sailors. Let them see some 
stunning show first.” 

“Oriental?” 

“ Yes, I guess so. Your idea of the juggler 
is splendid. He can come on the stage like 
those Hindoo fakirs, you know, ” 

“ Yes, that’s what I meant.” 

“ You know, there’s not so very much 
room ” 

“ Want to go over to Elise’s, and have it all 
in her casino? ” 

“ N-no, — not at first, anyway. You see, Phil, 
I suppose it is nothing but pride and vain glory, 
— but I thought up this plan, — and I want to 
have it in my own home.” 

“ So you shall! I don’t blame you. If Elise 
wants to, let her get up something herself.” 

“ Probably she will. But I want mine here.” 

“ That’s all right, Patty-girl. Why, there’s 

[7i] 


Patty-Bride 

plenty of room. We needn’t ask so very many 
guests, — say a dozen or so the first time, and 
see how it works out.” 

“ Oh, we could accommodate twenty or 
twenty-four, I think. You see we’d use these 
connecting rooms, and this room would hold 
about thirty chairs.” 

“ All right. Now, say we plan the scene. 
I’ve all that big chest full of Oriental costumes, 
you know, and we don’t want very much in the 
way of actual scenery. A couple of divans 
heaped with pillows, and some of those hookah 
pipes standing round — then, the people in cos- 
tume, — there’s your setting, — see? Then, in 
comes your juggler, also in appropriate cos- 
tume, and he does his tricks, and the people on 
the stage admire and applaud, and the people 
in the audience do likewise.” 

“ Fine ! And afterward, we have a little 
feast, and a little dance, and maybe sing a song 
or two for a good-night chorus.” 

“That’s the ticket I Now, for the list of 
those who take part, and a few details of that 
sort, and our preliminary work is done ! ” 


[ 72 ] 


CHAPTER V 


A FIRE-EATER 

T HE Monday night party was in full 
swing. A stage had been erected and 
the spectacle that was seen as the curtain 
rose was of “ more than Oriental splendour.” 

Heavy draperies, potted palms, strange 
braziers and lanterns, pillowed divans, — all 
formed a brilliant and interesting picture of an 
Eastern interior. 

Richly garbed ladies sat at ease while slaves 
waved peacock feather fans above their be- 
jeweled heads. Stalwart men stood about, pic- 
turesque in their embroidered tunics and volum- 
inous mantles. 

The movement of the scene increased. Slaves 
entered with baskets of fruits, musicians came 
and made weird music, and dancing girls ap- 
peared and gave graceful exhibitions of their 
art. 

Patty was one of these. In a charming cos- 
tume of thin, fluttering silks and gauzy veils, 
[ 73 ] 


Patty-Bride 

she went through the slow swaying steps of a 
characteristic dance, and enthralled the appre- 
ciative audience. 

She had indeed achieved her desire to give 
her guests something different from the average 
evening entertainment. The young men in 
khaki and in blue, who sat watching, were 
breathlessly attentive and applauded loudly and 
often. 

The whole assemblage was gay and merry. 
The elder Fairfields were excellent hosts, and 
chatted with the uniformed guests until even the 
shy ones felt at ease. Roger and Mona Far- 
rington, too, assisted in this work of getting 
acquainted, and the result was a pleasant, chatty 
atmosphere and not merely a silent audience. 

“Good work!” said Roger, approvingly, to 
a khakied youth, as Patty executed a difficult 
pirouette. 

“You bet!” was the earnest reply. “ I’ve 
seen some dancing, but never anything to beat 
that! Is she on the regular stage?” 

“ Oh, no. She’s the daughter of the house. 
But she’s a born dancer and has always loved 
the art.” 

“ Don’t wonder ! She puts it all over any- 
body I ever saw ! And the whole colouring, — 
[ 74 ] 


A Fire-Eater 


the scene, you know, — well, it’ll be something 
to remember when I’m back in camp. A thing 
like that stays in your mind, you know, and I’ll 
shut my eyes and see those furling pink veils as 
plain, ’most, as I do now. What a beautiful 
girl she is.” 

His tone was almost reverential, and Roger 
instinctively liked the simple straightforward- 
ness of his comment. 

“ Yes, and as lovely as she is beautiful. She’s 
engaged to a Captain, and it’s hard luck that 
he has to be away from her.” 

“ It’s all of that! Hullo, look who’s here! ” 

Among the people on the stage there appeared 
a strange figure. It was a man of swarthy 
countenance, garbed in pure white draperies, so 
full and flowing, that he resembled the pictures 
of the prophets. He walked slowly to the 
centre of the stage, and made deep salaams to 
the characters there assembled, then turned 
and bowed low to the audience. His snow- 
white, coiled turban almost swept the floor as 
he gracefully bent in greeting. Then he rose, 
and began to chant a strange weird incantation. 

An assistant brought a small tripod filled with 
various paraphernalia, and the juggler began 
his tricks. 


[751 


Patty-Bride 

They consisted of the most mystifying legerde- 
main and magical illusions, for the performer, 
as Philip had assured Patty, was an expert, 
though not a professional. 

The soldier boys and sailor boys were de- 
lighted, and watched closely in their desire to 
see how the tricks were done. 

And this paved the way to their still greater 
satisfaction, for the accommodating magician 
acceded to several urgent requests and ex- 
plained his tricks. 

To be sure, it detracted from the mystery, but 
it added to the interest. 

One of his startling deeds was this. 

An attendant brought to the magician a small 
iron dish filled with kerosene oil. With an 
eager smile, as of delighted anticipation, the 
juggler, who spoke no word, made motions for 
his aid to light the oil. 

This was done, and the flames proved it to be 
real oil and really burning. 

Then, taking an iron spoon, the magician 
dipped out a spoonful of the blazing oil and 
putting it in his mouth swallowed it with great 
apparent relish and enjoyment. 

He nodded his head and smacked his lips in 
praise of this strange food, and made a gesture 
[ 76 ] 


A Fire-Eater 


of wanting more. Obligingly, the attendant 
offered him the iron bowl again, and again a 
spoonful of blazing kerosene was gobbled up 
by the hungry feeder. 

“ My stars! ” cried one of the audience, “ I’ve 
heard of fire-eaters, but I never expected to see 
one ! Have another dip, old chap ! ” 

Smiling acquiescence, the juggler repeated his 
startling partaking of the oil, and seemed to 
like it quite as much as ever. 

“ Well, I’ll give up ! ” cried the interested ob- 
server, who had spoken before. “ Do tell us 
how you do that! I’d rather know that than 
eat a square meal myself! ” 

Dropping for the moment his role of panto- 
mimist, the juggler said, “ I will tell you, for it 
is an interesting trick. For years, — ages, even, 
the Hindus mystified and deceived people by 
pretending to be fire-eaters. The ignorant on- 
lookers, of course, believed that the fakirs 
really ate fire, — hot coals, blazing oil, or burn- 
ing tow. 

“ But as a matter of fact, it was all trickery, 
and deception of the simplest kind. You must 
know the ignorant people of the Far East are 
much more gullible and easily deceived than our 
own alert, up-to-date modern and civilised citi- 
[ 77 ] 


Patty-Bride 

zens. And, yet, even among ourselves, it is not 
easy to understand the fire-eating illusion. This 
is real kerosene, it is really lighted, you have 
seen my apparent relish of it. Now can any 
one explain how it is that I take spoonful after 
spoonful, yet my mouth is not burnt? ” 

Nobody could guess, and one after another 
said so. The young men were losing their shy- 
ness and self-consciousness in their interest. 

“ Spill it, boss,” urged one, “ give us the right 
dope ! ” 

“ Yes, I’d be glad to be informed as to the 
modus operandi ” said another, who was of a 
different mental type. Indeed, it was all sorts 
and conditions of brains that were striving to 
see through this absorbing problem. 

Patty, still in her place on the stage, looked 
keenly into the upturned faces. 

“ Dear, brave boys! ” she thought to herself; 
“ sooner or later, going ‘ over there ’ to fight 
for us and our cause ! I am glad to give them 
a little cheer and fun as occasion offers.” 

The elder Fairfields felt the same way, and all 
who were helping Patty in her plan were con- 
scious of a thrill of gratification at the success 
of it, so far. 

“ I’ve seen it on the vaudeville stage in Paris,” 

[ 78 ] 


A Fire-Eater 


one different looking youth spoke up. “ It was 
slightly different in effect, but I suppose the 
same principle obtained.” 

“ Doubtless,” agreed the juggler, whose name 
was Mr. Peckham. “ Now, I’ll show you. The 
whole secret is that when I apparently take up 
a spoonful of oil, in reality, I only dip the spoon 
in and out again. It comes out blazing, to be 
sure, but really empty. It is merely the slight 
film of oil adhering to the spoon that blazes. 
However, this is quite enough to give the effect 
of a full spoon of kerosene on fire. Then, as 
I throw back my head, as if to swallow this 
flaming fluid, I really blow out the flame and I 
am careful not even to allow the hot spoon to 
touch my lips. But the audience, if the trick 
is quickly done, see what they expect to see. 
They are imbued with the idea that I am swal- 
lowing a spoonful of burning kerosene, and 
they therefore think I do so. It is over in a 
second, — I am swallowing, and smacking my 
lips, and it is taken for granted that I have 
done the impossible.” 

“ Huh ! ” said the youth who had “ wanted to 
know.” 

“ Yes,” returned Mr. Peckham, laughing, 
“ it’s ‘Huh!’ after the secret is told I No 
[ 79 ] 


Patty-Bride 

trick is as wonderful after it is explained as it 
is before.” 

“It is to me,” said a more thoughtful man; 
“ it’s interesting to see how a mere optical illu- 
sion is believed to be real by thinking and 
attentive minds.” 

“ Not only that,” added Mr. Peckham, “ but 
it’s strange to realise how our eyes see, or we 
think they see, what we expect to see. You 
anticipated my fire-eating, you looked forward 
to seeing it, therefore, you thought you did 
see it.” 

“That’s it, sir! After all, it’s a sort of 
camouflage.” 

“Exactly! I give you something that looks 
like fire-eating, and you think it is fire-eating! 
Exactly.” 

Then he performed many other tricks; tricks 
with cards or with other paraphernalia; tricks 
with balls, swords, hats, all the usual branches 
of “ magic ” and the enthralled audience were 
so entertained and spellbound, that the time 
slipped by unheeded. 

“ Good gracious ! ” cried Patty suddenly, from 
her place on the stage, “ isn’t it getting late? ” 

“ It’s half-past eleven,” Roger informed her, 
from the audience. 


[80] 


A Fire-Eater 


“Then we must stop this magicking! I’m 
sorry, for I could watch it all night, but there’s 
more programme yet! ” 

“ Cut it out! ” cried a youthful chap in sailor 
blue; “ give us more hocus-pocus! ” 

“ Not tonight,” laughed Patty, and leaving her 
place, the whole tableau began to break up and 
the gorgeously attired Orientals came down 
among the audience and mingled as one 
group. 

“ I can’t thank you enough,” Patty said, paus- 
ing to speak to Mr. Peckham; u it’s so kind of 
you, and I’ve been so interested! ” 
u Oh, it’s nothing,” asserted the kind and 
genial man, u glad to do it for Van Reypen’s 
sake, for Our Boys’ sake, and, most of all, Miss 
Fairfield, for your sake ! ” 

Patty rewarded him with her best smile and 
ran away to look after the rest of her enter- 
tainment. 

There was to have been music and some other 
matters, but it was now so late that it was time 
for the supper. 

This was a simple but very satisfying repast 
and the men in uniform showed their apprecia- 
tion of Patty’s thoughtful kindness in this, as 
well as in the mental entertainment. 

[81] 


Patty-Bride 

“ I say, Miss Fairfield,” a stalwart young man 
observed, “ if you knew what all this means to 
us poor ehaps, when we’re miles removed from 
chicken salad and ice cream, you’d feel grati- 
fied, I’m sure.” 

“I do, Mr. Herron; I am truly glad I can 
please you but more grateful to you for your 
appreciation than you can possibly be for my 
invitation.” 

“Well, that’s going some!” and the man 
laughed. “ You see, Miss Fairfield, it’s like a 
glimpse of another world to a lot of us. It is 
to me. Why, I come from out West, and I’ve 
never been in a home like this of yours. Oh, 
I don’t mean to say we don’t have ’em out 
West, — lots of our plutes roll in gold and all 
that. But / didn’t. I’m of the every-day 
people, and my folks are good and honest, but 
plain. Not that I’m ashamed of ’em, — Lord, 
no! But I own up I’m pleased as Punch at 
this chance to be a guest in a fine house for 
once ! ” 

“ I hope not only for once, Mr. Herron,” said 
Patty, who liked the frank young fellow. “ I’d 
like to have you come again.” 

“You oughtn’t to invite me, — you ought to 
take a different lot every time, — but, by jingo, 
[82] 


A Fire-Eater 

if you do ask me, I’m coming! You just bet 
I am!” 

Patty laughed and passed on talking gaily to 
this one and that, asking questions about things 
they were interested in and conversant with, 
and in all, being a charming and sympathetic 
little hostess. 

Entertaining was Patty’s forte, and she loved 
it. Moreover, she could adapt herself with 
equal ease to the most aristocratic and high- 
bred society or to the plainer and more com- 
monplace people. 

As for these boys, she loved them, partly be- 
cause of her patriot spirit, partly from her love 
of humanity, and largely because now that her 
own Billee was in the war, all war people were 
dear to her. 

After supper there was still time for a dance 
or two, and the guests entered into this diver- 
sion with zest. Naturally, Patty had many 
would-be partners, and she divided her dances 
in an effort to please many. 

Helen, too, was a general favourite. The 
young men liked the jolly girl and pretty Bum- 
ble laughed and joked with them, promising to 
write letters to them and knit comforts for 
them and to do numberless possible and im- 

[83] 


Patty-Bride 

possible things when they were back in their 
camps, or wherever their duty led them. 

Chester Wilde was present. He was an 
urgent suitor of Helen’s, but tonight he tried 
with all his energies to help Patty in the plan 
she had undertaken. 

At last, when most of the uniformed guests 
had departed, Wilde noticing the tired expres- 
sion in Patty’s eyes, led her to a cosy sofa and 
advised her to rest a little. 

“Pll bring you some hot bouillon,” he said, 
“ and it will do you good. Let the rest of the 
girls speed the few parting guests, and you sit 
here and talk to me.” 

Patty agreed and soon they were affably chat- 
ting. As often, their talk was of Helen. 

“ Doesn’t she look pretty tonight? ” young 
Wilde asked, his eyes straying to the laughing 
face across the room. 

“ Yes, indeed, she always does,” agreed Patty. 
“ She’s a darling thing, too, Mr. Wilde, and 
you mustn’t be down-hearted because she flouts 
you sometimes. I know my little old Bumble 
pretty well and she’s a great little scamp for 
teasing the people she likes best.” 

“ It would have been all right, I’m sure,” said 
the young man, moodily, “ if she had stayed in 
[ 84 ] 


A Fire-Eater 


Philadelphia. But here, there are so many 
men about, — oh, I don’t mean the uniformed 
men, — but a lot of others who are here at your 
house now and then, that I can’t help feeling 
Helen will forget me.” 

“ Nonsense ! I won’t let her. You trust your 
Aunt Patty! Why my middle name is Tact! ” 
“ I know it, Miss Fairfield, I know all that, 
and you’re awfully good to me, but, — oh, well, 
I s’pose I’m jealous.” 

“ I s’pose you are,” Patty laughed at him. 
“You wouldn’t be any good if you weren’t! 
But you know, faint heart and all that. Don’t 
be faint-hearted, that’s not the thing for a sol- 
dier, at all ! ” 

“ All right, I’ll cheer up. You’re a good 

friend, Miss Fairfield ” 

“ Oh, call me Patty, I’d rather you would.” 
“ All right and thank you. First names for 
us, after this. Now don’t think me silly, but, 

— won’t you do all you can to — to ” 

“ To turn our Helen’s heart in your direction? 
Indeed I will, Chester, and gladly. But, take 
my word for it, she likes you better than any- 
body else, right now.” 

“ Oh, Patty, do you think so? ” 

“ I know so. Bumble, — Helen, I mean, is a 

[ 85 ] 


Patty-Bride 

dear, but she isn’t quite sure of her own mind. 
Oh, don’t you worry, Chester, my friend, all 
will yet be well.” 

“ But look at her now. She’s terribly taken 
with that chap named Herron. See her look 
at him!” 

“ The green-eyed monster has you in his grip, 
for sure ! Come on, let’s go and see what 
they’re talking about.” 

Patty rose and Chester followed her to where 
Helen and Philip Van Reypen were eagerly 
talking to Mr. Herron. 

“Yes,” Herron was saying, “to train a thou- 
sand aviators usually means the smashing of 
more than a thousand machines. Why, every 
learner breaks up one or two airplanes before 
he’s a flyer.” 

“ Really! ” said Helen, her eyes big with in- 
terest. “ And how much do these airplanes 
cost? ” 

“ Oh, about seven thousand dollars apiece.” 

“ They do ! What a fearful expense for the 
government! ” 

“ The government does have fearful expenses, 
Miss Barlow, — or so I’ve heard.” 

“ But that’s something awful, old man,” put 
in Van Reypen. “ I’m going to be a flyer, and 
[ 86 ] 


A Fire-Eater 


I’ll begin training soon. That’s why I’m so 
keen on questioning you. Do I go up in the 
air at once ? ” 

“ No, sir. You begin on a machine that stays 
on terra firma .” 

“ Then it isn’t a flying machine at all,” ob- 
served Patty, as she and Chester joined the 
others. 

“Well, it is, except that it doesn’t fly! But 
one learns all the motions on it, and the controls 
and the handling of winds, — and, oh, quite a 
few things about it. Then later on, one goes 


“ What a sensation it must be! ” cried Patty; 
“ I’m just crazy to try it. May I go up with 
you, Phil, as soon as you’ve learned? ” 

“ Not until I have learned. You’ll take no 
chances with a novice, I can tell you.” 

“ But I don’t see,” said Helen, “ how a 
machine on the ground is anything like one in 
the air.” 

“ It’s difficult to explain,” returned Herron. 
“ But, you see, jets of air are blown through 
tubes, that simulate the currents of real air that 
affect the man higher up.” 

“ Too many for me! ” declared Helen, “ my 
little two-cent brain refuses to grasp it ! ” 

[ 87 ] ' 


Patty-Bride 

“ We’ll go down to see Philip perform as soon 
as he knows enough to show off,” declared 
Patty. “ Won’t that be fun, Helen? ” 

“ Yes; may we, Philip? ” 

“ After I’m ready to show off, yes.” 

“ Oh, you vainy!” cried Helen. “Never 
mind, we don’t want to see you when you’re 
just flying on the floor ! ” 

“ I really must fly from here,” laughed Mr. 
Herron. “ Such a gorgeous time, Miss Fair- 
field. May I come again? ” 

“ Oh, I wish you would ! Don’t wait for a 
special invitation, — come at any time.” 

“ He will,” Van Reypen said, u I’ll bring him. 
He and I will be associated, I find, in the 
Aviation Training Camp, and we’ll often run 
up together, — mayn’t we, Patty? ” 

“Yes, indeed; as often as you can man- 
age to! ” 


[ 88 ] 


CHAPTER VI 


A SLEIGHRIDE 

“ I^EADY, Bumble ?” asked Patty, look- 
f\ ing in at her cousin’s room. 

“ Yes, in a minute.” 

“ Oh, I know your minutes ! They’re half an 
hour long each ! Here, — let me help you.” 

Patty straightened Helen’s collar, fastened 
two hooks, found her gloves, tied her veil, and 
performed a few more odd services for her, 
and then held her fur coat for her to slip 
into. 

“ It looks like more snow, but Phil telephoned 
that we’d go anyway,” Patty said : “ Mona and 
Roger will meet us up there, and Mr. Herron 
will be there too.” 

“ Perfectly fine ! I love a sleighride, though 
goodness knows we get few enough of them 
nowadays.” 

“ You won’t love it, if we get snowed under, 
or snowbound at the Club.” 

“ I shan’t mind. We’ll have Mona and 

[89] 


Patty-Bride 

Roger for chaperons and we can stay till the 
storm is over. Philip says the house is lovely.” 

“ Yes, the Timothy Grass Golf Club is a splen- 
did place, and the winter casino, — The Play- 
box, they call it, — is most attractive. Oh, we’ll 
have a good time whatever happens.” 

By way of entertaining Helen, Van Reypen 
had proposed a day at the Country Club, and 
his invitation was eagerly accepted. There was 
snow enough on the ground to make good 
sleighing, and the air was crisp, cold and clear. 
Warmly garbed for their trip, the two girls 
ran downstairs to find Philip awaiting them. 

‘‘Hooray for two plucky ones!” he cried; 
“ I thought maybe you’d back out on account 
of the storm.” 

“Where’s the storm?” asked Helen. “I 
don’t see any.” 

“ You wear rose-coloured glasses. There’s 
snow in the air, some flying, and more waiting 
above, ready to come down. But not enough 
to hurt two such well-befurred Esquimoses! 
Come along, then.” 

The novelty of a real old-fashioned sleigh- 
ride was a great pleasure and as the fast horses 
flew along, the girls exclaimed at the new de- 
light of such transportation. 

[ 90 ] 


A Sleighride 

“ Are Roger and Mona going in a sleigh, 
too? ” asked Patty. 

“ Yes, I think so. They’ll come later, as 
Mona just had a telegram that her father is 
coming to see her today.” 

“But she’ll come to us, won’t she?” Patty 
asked, quickly. “ She’s our chaperon, you 
know. It wouldn’t do at all for Helen and me 
to go to the Club without her.” 

“ Oh, yes, she said she’d come, as soon as her 
father arrives and she gets him comfortably 
welcomed. She’s very fond of him, you know.” 

“ Yes, and he’s an awfully nice man. What 
time will we get back, Phil? ” 

“ ’Long about five o’clock or so. We won’t 
reach the Club before noon. Then we’ll have 
time for a game of indoor tennis or whatever 
you like, of that sort. Then luncheon, and in 
the afternoon there’s time for a game of Bridge 
if you choose.” 

“ Probably we won’t do anything but sit 
around and chatter,” opined Helen, who was 
not fond of games. “ Mr. Herron is coming, 
isn’t he? ” 

“ Yes, my lady. But you mustn’t flirt with 
him, or you’ll turn his head completely.” 

“ She has done that already,” laughed 

[91] 


Patty-Bride 

Patty; “ Mr. Herron just sits and gazes at my 
fair cousin, whenever occasion offers.” 

“ Nor can any one blame him for that. Look 
at the ice jam in the river! What a winter 
we’re having, to be sure.” 

“ A lovely winter, I think,” Helen said, “ I 
adore cold weather, and I don’t mind snow. I 
like to feel it on my face.” 

“ All the same,” Patty put in, “ I could do 
with less of it just now.” 

The white feathers were flying briskly through 
the air, and Patty cuddled her face deep into 
her high fur collar. She was not quite so fond 
of the elements as Helen, and felt the cold 
more. 

“ The snow is falling all around, 

It’s falling here and there; 

It’s falling through the atmosphere 
And also through the air.” 

Helen chanted the lines to an accompaniment 
of dashing the flakes from her veiled face. 

“ The snow is falling all around, 

And wonder fills my cup, 

Whether, when it is all snowed down 
We won’t be all snowed up! ” 

«. 


A Sleighridc 

Patty sang her parody, in a high, clear voice, 
and then returned to her depths of collar. 

Then Philip took up the game : 

“ The snow is falling all around, 

But you girls needn’t fret; 

We’ll soon arrive where we are bound, 
And you’ll get warm, — you bet! ” 

“Lovely, Phil!” murmured Patty, “you do 
sing like a cherub ! ” 

“ Oh, well, I suppose my coloratura is a little 
off, but every time I open my mouth the snow 
snows in ! ” 

“ Ought to make liquid notes,” said Patty. 

“ Oh, come now ! If you’re going to talk like 
that!” 

“ I can only sing of Greenland’s Icy Moun- 
tains,” Helen declared, and just then they came 
in sight of the Club house. 

A huge structure it was, in a large park, and 
surrounded by trees and gardens. In summer 
it was a beautiful spot, but in winter some 
thought it even more so. The Golf Links 
showed great stretches of white aryi the bare 
black limbs of the tall trees made a picturesque 
foreground. The house itself, with glassed-in 
[93] * 


Patty-Bride 

veranda and storm doors, looked like a haven 
of refuge. 

The girls ran inside, and were greeted by the 
sound of crackling flames in a great fireplace. 

“ I do think a Club is the nicest place ! ” ex- 
claimed Helen, as she sat down on a fireside 
settle. “ And this one has such a cheery, hos- 
pitable atmosphere.” 

“ Yes,” agreed Patty, “ but I don’t see many 
people around. Aren’t there very few, Phil? ” 

“ Rather so. But it’s an uncertain quantity, 
you know. Some days the place is crowded, 
and again nearly empty. It’s always so in a 
Club.” 

“ Where’s Mona ? ” 

“ She’ll come soon. I told you she’d be late. 
Don’t fuss, Patty.” 

“No; I won’t,” and Patty smiled at him. 

But she was anxious, for Patty was conserva- 
tive by nature, and a close observer of the con- 
ventions. She was unacquainted at this Club, 
and if Mona shouldn’t come, she felt a grave 
uncertainty as to what she could do. She and 
Helen couldn’t stay the day there without 
Mona, and the storm was gaining in force. 

“ I wish you’d telephone,” she said to Van 
Reypen, “ and see if they’ve started.” 

[ 94 ] 


A Sleighride 

“ All right, my liege lady, I will. Just wait 
a minute, till I get this numbness from my 
digits.” 

“ Do let him get warm, Patty,” Helen remon- 
strated; “the poor man is almost frozen, and 
you send him to telephone about nothing! ” 

“’Deed it isn’t nothing! If for any reason 
Mona doesn’t come, we must go right home, 
Helen.” 

“ But don’t cross the bridge before you come 
to it. At least, let me have a look around. I 
want to see that sun-parlour and that other 
palmy nook, over there ! Oh, I think this the 
most fascinating place I ever saw! ” 

“ It is charming. And I’m glad to be here, 
but I want things right.” 

“ Patty, you’re not unlike Friend Hamlet. 
You’re always setting the world right.” 

“ I know, Phil, but you don’t stop to think. 
You know we two girls can’t stay here without 
Mona or some married woman as a chaperon. 
It doesn’t matter what you think; that’s so- 
ciety’s law and must be obeyed.” 

Patty’s pink cheeks took on an added flush 
and her blue eyes grew violet, as they did when 
she was very much in earnest. 

“ I know, Patty; I know, dear. Why, I’m as 

[ 95 ] 


Patty-Bride 

well acquainted with the conventions as you 
are. Do you suppose I want you to do any- 
thing not absolutely correct? But the Farring- 
tons will come directly. They started later 
than we did, and the increasing depth of snow 
may make them longer on the road. But 
they’re sure to come.” 

Phil’s air of conviction reassured Patty, and 
she turned to the great blazing fire again, with 
a sigh of contentment. There were two or 
three Club members about, but save for those 
and the liveried footmen here and there, the 
place was deserted. 

Helen, thoroughly warm, jumped from her 
seat and went about looking at the various 
attractive rooms. 

“A wonderful library!” she said, returning 
from her tour of investigation; “I could be 
happy there all day, just looking at the picture 
papers and books.” 

“ So could I,” said Patty, “ if we had 
somebody with us. Why didn’t we bring 
Nan? That would have made everything all 
right!” 

“ Mona’s sure to come soon,” comforted 
Helen. “ Let up, Patty, you make me tired 
with your fussing.” 


[ 96 ] 


A Sleighride 

Good-naturedly, Patty “ let up ” and said no 
more for the moment. 

“ Hello, people ! ” called a cheery voice, 
and a big figure in uniform came swinging 
in. 

“Mr. Herron!” cried Helen, running for- 
ward to greet him. “ I’m so glad you came ! 
Did you come in your airship? ” 

“ I wish I could have done so, for the going 
on the ground is something awful. This is sure 
one fierce storm! ” 

Patty went over and lifted a curtain to look 
out of the window. 

“ Oh-ee ! ” she cried out, “ it’s coming down 
thicker’n ever! How can Mona get here? 
They’ll be snowbound, half way here! Phil, 
please go and telephone ; I must know if they’ve 
started.” 

“ Better go quick,” laughed Herron, “ before 
the telephone wires are down. It’s that wet, 
heavy snow that weighs the wires down fear- 
fully.” 

“ All right,” and Phil started for the tele- 
phone booth. 

“They’ll get here,” opined Bumble; “you 
worry over nothing, Patty Pink.” 

“ They can’t get here unless they started some 

[97] 


Patty-Bride 

time ago,” Herron said; “ the roads are getting 
worse every minute.” 

“ Roger will manage somehow,” Helen went 
on. “ I know him of old, — and he isn’t to be 
baulked by a few flakes of snow.” 

But Phil returned looking serious. 

“ They’re not coming,” he announced, briefly, 
meeting Patty’s startled eyes squarely, but 
apologetically. “ Not on account of the storm, 
but because Mona’s father arrived, and he isn’t 
well and Mona won’t leave him. She says to 
tell you she’s awfully sorry, but it seems her 
father is really pretty ill, and she can’t get 
away.” 

“ Then we must go right home,” said Patty, 
very decidedly. “ You know yourself, Phil, we 
two girls can’t stay here without Mona — or 
somebody.” 

“ Of course, I know it, Patty. Give me a 
minute to think. I hate to go home and give 
up our nice day here. Maybe we can fix it. 
I’ll go and see the housekeeper.” 

“ Oh, that would be all right, Phil,” and 
Patty’s lovely face broke into a smile. “ If 
she’s a nice motherly or auntly old lady, 
she’d do admirably I Go and see about it, 
do!” 


[ 98 ] 


A Sleighride 

“ Let me go,” said Herron, “ maybe I can fix 
it up.” 

He was gone a long time, but he came back 
smiling. 

“ The housekeeper isn’t here,” he announced, 
“ she’s gone off for a few days’ holiday. Her 
present substitute is her daughter, a girl 
younger than you girls are. Also there’s no- 
body who can play chaperon to a pair of lone, 
lorn damsels but one elderly specimen, who is 
by way of being a pastry-cook or something like 
that. However, ” 

“ Oh, all right! ” cried Helen; “ I don’t care 
if she’s a pastry-cook or a laundress if she only 
satisfies Patty’s insane desire for a chaperon! 
Will she come? Will she stay by us till we 
go home ? ” 

“ She’ll come to luncheon with us,” said 
Herron, “ and after that I think we’d better 
start for home. The snow is getting deeper, 
and though it looks as if the sun might break 
through the clouds any minute, — yet it may not, 
and the drifts are high, and ” 

“You’re a calamity howler!” cried Helen. 
“ We’re here, and we’re safe and warm, and 
the pie lady will do quite well for a chaperon, 
and anybody who grumbles now, is a wet 
[ 99 ] 


Patty-Bride 

blanket and a pessimist and a catamaran ! So, 
there, now ! ” 

“All right,” Patty laughed; “let me see the 
elderly dame, and if she passes muster, I’ll 
stop growling like a bear and be so nice and 
amiable you won’t know me ! ” 

“ I don’t know you when you’re anything but 
amiable!” declared Philip; “where’s your 
friend, Herron? Trot her in.” 

“ She’s dressing,” Herron returned. “ She 
said she must doll up to meet the young 
ladies ” 

“ Did she use that expression? ” asked Patty, 
severely. 

“ Oh, no ! That’s mine. She said she’d 
put on her other gown, — or something like 
that.” 

“I can’t decide till I see her,” Patty said; 
“ if she’s really all right, we’ll stay. If not, 
you must take us right home, Phil.” 

“ Your word is my law. When Patty says 
go, we all goeth ! Whew ! how it snows ! ” 

“ Never mind the snow,” urged Herron; “ no 
matter what the weather when we four get to- 
gether! Now, what can we do in the way of 
high jinks? Anybody want to try the swim- 
ming pool? ” 


[ioo] 


A Sleighride 

u No, thank you ! ” and Bumble shivered at 
the thought. “ Can we dance anywhere? ” 

“ Not till after lunch,” said Patty. “ Dancing 
in the morning has gone out. Besides, it’s 
nearly lunch time now. Let’s knit for a while, 

• — and not go jumping about.” 

“You’re a dormouse, Patty. You’d rather 

nod over your knitting needles ” 

“ I don’t nod over them ! I knit faster than 
you do ! Come on, start at the beginning of 
your needle, and I’ll race you for five rows.” 

The girls settled themselves comfortably by 
the big fire, and opened their knitting bags. 

“Now, I call this fine!” declared Herron; 
“ what’s nicer than to have you girls sit and 
knit and we men sit and look at you ! ” 

“ There’s nothing nicer to look at,” said 
Helen complacently, “ on that we’re all agreed. 
Now, make yourselves entertaining, and we’ll 
call it square.” 

Pretty Helen’s gay face bent over her khaki- 
coloured wool, and her needles clicked bravely 
in an effort to knit faster than Patty. And she 
did, but it was only a spurt. She dropped a 
stitch, and exclaimed, “ Hold on, Patty, no fair 
your knitting when I’m picking up this stitch I 
You wait now! ” 


Patty-Bride 

“ Not so; a dropped stitch in time loses nine ! 
Come on, hare, catch up with this old tor- 
toise ! ” 

Calmly, Patty proceeded with her steadily- 
moving needles, and again Helen made an 
hysterical burst of speed and caught up as to 
distance. But her wool snarled somehow, and 
Herron, trying to help her, made it worse, and 
the four hands that tried to untangle it only 
drew it into tighter knots. 

Helen burst out laughing, and awarded Patty 
the palm. 

“ It’s always so,” she acknowledged. “ I fly 
at a thing and tumble all over myself, and ac- 
complish just about nothing. Patty goes about 
it leisurely, and comes in at the last, easily 
winner, and with a big lot of work to her 
credit.” 

“ You flatter me, angel child,” Patty smiled. 
“ I knit because I love to knit, and I get a lot 
done, because I don’t try to beat everybody 
else. There, how’s that for a helmet? I 
rather guess some one of Our Boys will be glad 
to wear it! ” 

“ I shouldn’t mind myself,” suggested Herron, 
timidly, and Patty replied at once, “ Then you 
shall have it! I’ll fit it to your head now.” 

[102] 


A Sleighride 

“You want mine, Philip?” asked Helen, as 
she industriously “ picked back ” a few stitches. 

“ Yes, if I may be allowed to wear out two or 
three others while yours is in process of 
construction.” 

“Wot rudeness! To think I should live to 
hear such! Well, just for that I’ll put all the 
knots inside ! ” 

“ They’ll make me think of you ! ” 

“ And I’ll put a note in it, — that’s often 
done.” 

“A note of thanks. If the girls did that, it 
would save many a poor soldier a lot of 
trouble ! He could just sign it and send it 
off.” 

“ How unsentimental and ungrateful you are ! 
Why, the boys just love to get notes in their 
socks and sweaters and then they love to answer 
them. It’s no hardship, I can tell you! I’ve 
had the notes ! ” 

“ You can’t have had very many, — you’re too 
young.” 

Helen gave him a laughing scowl at this fresh 
fling at her slow progress and then she threw 
down her knitting. 

“ Can’t do any more, now. I’ve come to the 
place to cast on, and I forget how many, and I 

[103] 


Patty-Bride 

left my paper of directions at home, and ” 

“All right, come with me, and let’s go and 
hurry up our chaperon lady,” said Herron, 
rising. 

“ Yes, do,” urged Patty, who was in nervous 
anxiety about that matter. 

“ Patty’s in a pucker! ” sang Helen, “ like little 
Tommy Tucker! 

What shall she eat? War bread and 
butter ! 

How shall she eat it, without a chaperon? 
Put her in a padded cell and let her eat 
alone!” 

Helen’s foolishness never annoyed Patty, and 
so she bade the two ambassadors proceed with 
their errand and Helen and Mr. Herron went 
off. 

“Trust me, Patty,” said Philip, after the 
others had left the room, “ it will be all right. 
The snow is lighter now; and we’ll go home 
directly after luncheon. I don’t want you to 
be disturbed, and I do understand, — you know 
Ido!” 

“ Yes, I know it,” Patty replied. 


[104] 


CHAPTER VII 


A QUEER CHAPERON 

W HEN Mrs. Doremus was introduced, 
Patty’s thoughts ran somewhat like 
this : 

“Nice old lady; apple-cheeked, white-haired 
and quiet-mannered. A little shy, but well-bred 
and kindly. Old-fashioned dress, — or, rather 
it looks so, because it’s so long. Why, it al- 
most touches the floor. But, she’s all right, 
and her big, tortoise-rimmed glasses give her 
quite an air of distinction.” 

Helen, on the other hand, paid little attention 
to the chaperon, save to greet her pleasantly 
and thank her for her presence. 

The five went to the Club dining-room for 
luncheon. There were a few others at various 
tables, but no one with whom the girls were 
acquainted. 

“ I’m fairly brimming with happiness,” Helen 
announced; “ I’ve always longed to be at a big 

[105] 


Patty-Bride 

country club in winter, and I’ve never achieved 
it before.” 

“ It’s winter, all right,” said Herron, looking 
out at the steady snowfall. “ But the palms 
and flowers make this seem like an oasis of 
summer, screened in.” 

“ Awful pretty room,” and Helen looked 
round contentedly, as she finished her grape 
fruit. “ And of a just-right temperature. I’d 
like to stay here a week.” 

“ You may get your wish,” and Mrs. Doremus 
smiled at her, “ if this snow keeps on, I don’t 
see how you can go back to the city today.” 

“ Oh, my goodness! ” cried Patty, “ don’t say 
such a thing! Remember, Phil, when we were 
snowbound at that queer old house in the 
country? ” 

“Do I remember! Why, we had the time 
of our sweet young life up there ! I never ate 
such chicken pie ! ” 

“ Nor I. And those two quaint old ladies 
were a whole show themselves.” 

“ Oh, this storm isn’t going to be so very 
bad,” Herron said; “ I think it’s lessening now. 
We’ll go down this afternoon, all right, all 
right. I think, Miss Fairfield, you’re anxious 
to get a letter from somebody! ” 

[106] 


A Queer Chaperon 

Patty blushed prettily. “ Well, perhaps I am. 
I came away before mailtime, you know.” 

“ But you had one yesterday,” Helen told, “ 3i 
big, fat one ! That ought to last you for a 
while ! ” 

“But that was yesterday! I want today’s 
bulletin.” 

u Aha ! A letter every day? ” 

“ Yes, Mr. Herron, that’s the way engaged 
people keep alive, when separated by this cruel 
war ! ” 

“ Never mind letters now,” begged Van Rey- 
pen, “ let’s forget everybody who isn’t here.” 

“ And are you engaged to a soldier, my 
child?” Mrs. Doremus asked of Patty. The 
old lady had a low, gentle voice, and though she 
said little, she had a delightful manner and a 
smile that betokened a keen sense of humour. 

“Yes, to Captain Farnsworth; but he isn’t 
exactly a soldier. I mean, he doesn’t expect to 
fight. He is an expert mining engineer, and 
his country seems to find a lot of work for him, 
without sending him to the front.” 

“ Bill Farnsworth, the Westerner! ” 

“ Yes; do you know him? ” 

“ No; not at all. But I saw something about 
him in the paper, ” 


[107] 


Patty-Bride 

“You did! Oh, what was it? Pm inter- 
ested, of course, in anything pertaining to him 
or his work.” 

“I can’t seem to remember; I can’t exactly 
place it; but I recollect seeing his name. And 
are you, too, engaged to an enlisted man, Miss 
Barlow? ” 

“ No,” said Helen, “ but I hope to be.” 

“ Quite right ! Next to serving one’s country, 
is being the helpmeet of one who does. Have 
you, — ah, — selected ” 

“ No, my f selective draft hasn’t yet been 
made,” and Bumble’s jolly little face smiled 
broadly; “you see, there are so many fascinat- 
ing men in the service, — indeed, ’most any man 
is fascinating in uniform.” 

“ I wear uniform,” said Herron. 

“ I know, but lots of others do, too, and every 
time I meet a new one I lose my heart to him.” 

“ I fear me you’re a sad coquette, Miss Bar- 
low,” and the chaperon beamed on her. 

“I am a coquette,” Helen admitted, calmly, 
“ but not at all a sad one ! Indeed, I’m as 
merry as a grig. Why, I get letters from lots 
of the boys in camp. Miss Fairfield is content 
with only one correspondent, while I have a 
dozen! I just adore to get their letters, and 
[108] 


A Queer Chaperon 

to send them things, and to write to them. The 
war is terrible, but it does give one some new 
and pleasant experiences. And I don’t feel it 
my duty to lament all the time. My mission 
is cheering people up and cheering soldiers 
on. 

u I make no doubt you’re a grand success at 
it, too. And some day you’ll decide to send all 
your letters to the same address, as Miss Fair- 
field does. Where is Mr. Farnsworth now, 
may I ask? ” 

u In Washington,” Patty replied. 

“ And is he coming to New York soon? ” 

“ I don’t know, I’m sure.” Patty spoke a 
little coldly, for Bill had cautioned her over 
and over again, never on any account to tell 
any one of his plans or to repeat anything he 
might write, which concerned military matters 
or might give war information of any sort. 

“ How you must long to know ! I don’t mean 
definitely, of course, but can’t you hope to see 
him soon? ” 

An insistent tone in Mrs. Doremus’ voice 
caused Patty to look up quickly, and she saw 
the keen eyes regarding her intently through 
the big glasses. 

But though the old lady’s interest might have 
[109] 


Patty-Bride 

been a bit strong for such short acquaintance, 
Patty was too polite to resent that, and she 
laughed and said, “ It’s impossible to tell, with 
a soldier boy. One can only hope, — one may 
not expect.” 

“ That’s a philosophical attitude, my dear, and 
does you credit. Is Captain Farnsworth in the 
Engineers’ Camp?” 

“ Yes,” said Patty, this time with decided 
shortness; “how very nice this sweetbread is! 
I’ve always been so fond of them. But one 
oughtn’t to serve them on a sweetless day, 
ought one? ” 

“ Oh, Patty, what a silly joke ! ” chided Helen. 
“ You mean a meatless day! ” 

“Both ought to be barred,” smiled Patty; 
“ also they ought not to be served on a bread- 
less day! ” 

“ It looks as if they wouldn’t be served at all 
any more,” said Herron; “let’s gather these 
sweetbreads while we may! ” 

“ And perhaps the war will soon be over, and 
then we can eat what we like,” Helen suggested. 
“ It will be over soon, you know, because of 
the eagles.” 

“ What do you mean? ” 

“ Yes, it’s a true omen. You know down at 
[no] 


A Queer Chaperon 

Beverly, New Jersey, long ago, — oh, during 
the Revolution, ” 

“ Is this a real honest-to-goodness, once-upon- 
a-time story? ” asked Van Reypen. 

“ Yes, it is.” 

“ Then I move we move to the sun-parlour, 
and have our coffee there. We’ll take our 
coffee, — sugarless, if Patty says so, — and then 
we can hear the story, and then we must see 
about going home.” 

“ Fine,” Patty agreed. “ Will you join us in 
this desperate scheme, Mrs. Doremus? ” 

“ Don’t think you must, if you’re busy,” 
interposed Herron. “ I’m sure the ladies 
will excuse you if you have duties to at- 
tend to.” 

“ I haven’t,” returned the chaperon, calmly. 
a I’ll be glad to have the coffee and the story, 
if I am permitted.” 

“ Surely,” said Helen, jumping up, “ come 
along, Mrs. Doremus; you and I will pick out 
the sunniest spot. Philip, bring Patty; and 
Mr. Herron, will you order the coffee served 
there? ” 

Helen slipped her arm through that of the 
grey-haired lady, and they walked away to- 
gether. 


Patty-Bride 

Philip detained Patty as she was about to 
follow. 

“ Queer old party/’ he said, very low. 

“Who? Mrs. Doremus? I rather like 
her.” 

“Well, I don’t! Be careful what you say 
before her, and we must get away as soon as 
we can.” 

“ Why, Phil, what do you mean? ” 

“ Nothing particular. Only, don’t let Helen 
persuade you to stay all the afternoon. It’s 
nearly three now, and we must get away by 
four, at latest.” 

“ All right, Phil, but I never knew you to look 
so scared. Why?” 

“Don’t fuss, Patty; go ahead and join the 
crowd; but remember not to answer personal 
questions.” 

Patty wondered what had come over Philip’s 
mind, but she thought no more about it, rather 
glad than otherwise, that he was determined to 
go home so early. 

They crossed the big foyer, and across a chair 
there, was a fur stole of Patty’s which she had 
left there in case of need while in the house. 
She picked it up, exclaiming: “Why, here’s my 
fur I I might have forgotten it I ” 

[ 112 ] 


A Queer Chaperon 

“ Lend it to me, won’t you, if you’re not wear- 
ing it? ” asked Mrs. Doremus. “ I feel a bit 
chilly, — but, perhaps you do too ? ” 

“ Oh, no; I’m warm as toast. Use it, by all 
means. Let me put it round you.” 

Patty draped the long stole round the shiver- 
ing shoulders, and Mrs. Doremus said, apolo- 
getically, “ I’m not really cold, but I take pre- 
caution for fear of rheumatism.” 

“ Certainly,” Patty acquiesced, and then the 
coffee tray was brought and Patty did the 
honours. 

“ Sugar? ” she asked of the chaperon. 

“ One, please; and may I be excused for a few 
moments? I’ve just thought of an order I 
meant to give, and the gaiety of our little 
party made me forget it. I don’t mind if my 
coffee gets a little cool, — I like it better so.” 

Mrs. Doremus went off toward the house- 
keeping quarters, and the others made merry 
over their coffee cups. 

“ I don’t see why you want to start right off, 
Philip,” Helen demurred. “ I think it’s going 
to stop snowing just about now.” 

“Do you, my child?” said Van Reypen, 
serenely; “ be that as it may, we stand not on 
the order of our going, but go at once, — in- 

[113] 


Patty-Bride 

stanter, — immejit, — all-in-a-hurry, — so soon as 
your coffee is despatched.’’ 

“ But why? ” and Helen pouted. 

“ Yours not to put that direct question. 
Yours not to make remarks. Yours but to get 
into your befurments and hie away to town.” 

“ I’m not at all sure we can make it,” said 
Herron, pouring himself another cup of the 
rich brown beverage. 

“ Oh, yes, you can,” and the cheery voice of 
Mrs. Doremus sounded in the doorway. 
“This my cup? Fine! I like it a lot better 
not so blooming hot! ” 

Patty looked up suddenly, for the lapse into 
slang made her think that the pastry cook had 
been on her guard at lunch time, and had now 
fallen back to what must be her usual diction. 

The old lady was smiling, and as she took her 
cup and sat down near the girls, Patty felt a 
sudden aversion. 

But she reproached herself for such a feeling 
toward one who had not only been kind and 
polite but had helped them out of a real pre- 
dicament. 

By way of salving her conscience, she assumed 
a kinder manner, and gently readjusted the fur 
stole. 


A Queer Chaperon 

“ What a dear girl you are ! ” said Mrs. 
Doremus, in a burst of admiration. “ I don’t 
wonder Little Billee loves you.” 

Patty stared at her in astonishment. 

“You do know Captain Farnsworth, then!” 
she exclaimed, “ or how would you know he is 
called that by his intimate friends? ” 

The chaperon looked confused. 

“ I think I have heard you call him that since 
you’ve been here.” 

“ Indeed you haven’t! I never speak of him 
that way to strangers ! ” 

“ Come, come, Patty, don’t get wrathy ! ” said 
Philip, smiling at the lifted chin and tossed 
head. 

“ No, I won’t,” and Patty realised her own 
foolishness. “ Forgive me, Mrs. Doremus, I 
suppose I’m a silly young thing. But you see, 
I’ve never been engaged before and I’m a little 
fussy about it ! ” 

“ Oh, that’s all right, young folks ought to be 
like that. My, when I was engaged, I flew off 
my head if anybody so much as looked at my 
young man ! ” 

“ It couldn’t have been so very long ago,” 
smiled Patty, who had suddenly come to the 
conclusion that Mrs. Doremus was not so very 

[US] 


Patty-Bride 

old, and was, doubtless, prematurely grey- 
haired. 

“ Oh yes, many and many a year. But 
memory is still green, and the sight of young 
lovers makes my mind turn back, as to a well- 
remembered page.” 

Again, Patty caught the strange inflection, as 
if Mrs. Doremus’ words were not quite sincere. 

“ Come, girls,” said Philip, “ as you’ve fin- 
ished your coffee, let’s be thinking about 
starting.” 

“ I don’t want to go! ” protested Helen; “ it’s 
perfectly lovely here, and we can just as well 
stay an hour longer as not. Can’t we, Mr. 
Herron?” 

“ So far as I am concerned, yes. But, unless 
you start soon, you may find the roads im- 
passable, and be obliged to remain here over 
night.” 

“ Oh, I’ve the idea ! ” Helen cried, “ you men 
go back to town, and leave us girls here to stay 
the night with Mrs. Doremus ! I do think that 
would be fine ! You’d take care of us, wouldn’t 
you? ” 

She turned her bright, coaxing face to the 
apple-cheeked old lady, with mute appeal. 

To her surprise, Mrs. Doremus was suddenly 

[ 1 1 6 ] 


A Queer Chaperon 

afflicted with a hard coughing spell. She 
choked and nearly strangled, growing red in 
the face, and gasping for breath. 

Herron jumped up and quickly led her from 
the room, with some hasty words about fresh 
air. 

Van Reypen looked angry and a bit puzzled, 
but Patty was deeply concerned for the old 
lady’s comfort. 

“ Let me go, too,” she exclaimed, rising, 
“ she needs me, — not Mr. Herron.” 

“ Sit down, Patty,” Philip ordered, somewhat 
gruffly. “ Stay where you are. There are 
plenty of women servants to look after her.” 

“ But she’s so nice, Phil! Too nice to have 
only servants’ care.” 

“ Sit down, I tell you. You can’t go to her. 
Remember, Patty, you’re not a member of this 
Club.” 

“ Oh, that’s so,” and Patty sat down. 

“All right,” said Herron, returning; “she 
just choked a little, that’s all. And she has 
chronic throat trouble, so it rather strangled 
her. She sends you her adieux, and begs to 
be excused from further appearance.” 

“ Why, of course,” said Patty, “ she mustn’t 
think of returning. And we’re going now, any- 
[ii7] 


Patty-Bride 

how. Stop your nonsense, Helen, and come, 
let’s get our coats.” 

“ Don’t wanna ! ” 

“ I know you don’t, you old goose, but you 
must.” Patty took her cousin’s arm and led 
her off to the cloak-room. 

“ Be goody-girl,” Herron called after her, 

“ and we’ll stop at any place you like for after- 
noon tea.” 

“Oh, will you?” and Helen brightened up 
suddenly. “At the Sunset Tea-room?” 

“ Yes, wherever you say.” 

The sleigh came to the door, — horses pranc- 
ing, bells jingling, and the driver cracking his 
whip, in true old-time style. 

“ Oh, wait a minute,” Patty cried, as they 
were about to get in, “ where’s my stole? Mrs. » 
Doremus still has it! I’m so glad I remem- 
bered.” 

“ I’ll get it,” volunteered Herron. “ You 
others wait here.” 

He was gone so long that Philip suggested 
Mrs. Doremus had decamped with the fur. 

“ Was it valuable, Patty? ” 

“Yes; that is, it’s a perfectly good piece of 
kolinski.” 

“ Better make up your mind to order an- 

[nB] 


A Queer Chaperon 

other. Something tells me you’ll never see that 
particular animal again.” 

“ How silly, Phil, of course I will. They 
don’t have kleptomaniacs in a Club like this.” 

“ People of acquisitive tendencies are to be 
found everywhere. However, here comes 
Herron with the pelt, but he looks as if he’d 
had to fight for it ! ” 

Sure enough, Herron appeared, greatly 
ruffled. His face was red, his eyes glowering, 
and his whole aspect that of a man who has 
been through a war of words. 

“ All right,” he said, with a very evident effort 
to seem at ease, “ here’s your fur cape, — or 
whatever you call it.” 

“ Stole,” corrected Philip. 

“No it wasn’t!” cried Herron. “Mrs. 
Doremus had mislaid it, in her excitement, and 
couldn’t remember for the moment where it 
was. But she found it at once.” 

He put the fur round Patty’s neck, and as- 
sisted her into the sleigh in silence. 

“ Something’s up ! ” that astute young woman 
remarked to herself. “ I must find out about it, 
— that is, if it concerns me, and I pretty much 
think it does.” 

But she was far too canny to ask questions of 
[ 119 ] 


Patty-Bride 

Herron then. She chatted gaily and smiled 
brightly, telling herself the while, that there 
could be nothing really wrong. 

The snow had almost ceased falling, and be- 
fore they had gone more than a mile, the sun 
came straggling through the clouds, as it some- 
times does when anxious to finish off a snow- 
storm quickly. 

And Helen was delighted, for she knew that 
meant they would stop at her favourite tea- 
room, and she could have the chocolate and 
sweet cakes which were her beloved though 
“ forbidden fruit.” 


[ 120 ] 


CHAPTER VIII 


IN THE TEA-ROOM 

HE Sunset Tea-room did not belie its 



name. The draperies and decorations 


were of true sunset tints, — gold and 
amber, with glints of red, and all most har- 
monious and effective. 

The quartette found a pleasant table, where 
the shaded lights cast a soft glow over the 
pretty appointments, and Helen picked up the 
menu card with pleased anticipation. 

“ You’re just incorrigible, Bumble! ” laughed 
Patty; “ you promised me you’d cut out sweet 
things for afternoon tea, yet I see you 
voraciously devouring the cake list ! ” 

“ I know it, Patsy Poppet, but today is an 
exception, — - — ” 

“What day isn’t? All right, girlie, but like 
Lady Jane in the play ‘ there will be too much 
of you in the coming by-and-by ! ’ ” 

“ There can’t be too much of a good thing! ” 
said Herron, gaily, “ so go ahead, Mi9» Bar- 


[i 21] 


Patty-Bride 

low, choose all the puff paste and whipped 
cream you want.” 

“ If I did that, I’d order the whole card,” 
Helen returned, “ and that wouldn’t do at all.” 

“ Like the story of the little pickaninny,” put 
in Van Reypen; “ they said he was ill from eat- 
ing too much watermelon. And a neighbour 
said, ‘ Law sakes ! Dey ain’t no such t’ing as 
too much watermillion ! ’ and the reply was, 

‘ Den dere wasn’t enough boy! ’ ” 

“ That’s it exactly,” and Helen smiled; “ there 
aren’t too many kinds of cakes here, — but there 
isn’t quite enough me ! ” 

But after some careful consideration, she 
selected the most irresistible dainties, and the 
others also made their choice. 

“ You never told us the ‘ Eagle ’ story,” 
Herron reminded, as they waited for their 
order to be served. 

“ That’s so,” said Patty, “ what was it, 
Helen? Didn’t you say it had to do with the 
end of the war? ” 

“ That’s as you look at it. Here’s the tale. 
You see, down at Beverly, just before the close 
of the Revolution, there appeared a few 
eagles ” 

“ Bald?” inquired Phil. 

[ 122 ] 


In the Tea-room 

“ Dunno if they were bald or long-haired or 
blonde, — but they were eagles, real, live 
American eagles. And they had never been 
seen in that locality before. Well, their ap- 
pearance heralded the end of the Revolution, — 
and immediately it ended.” 

“ Great! ” cried Philip, a little ironically; “ it 
reminds me of the slave who called out, ‘ Oh, 
King live forever ! ’ and immediately the King 
lived forever ! ” 

“ I shouldn’t wonder if that’s a better story 
than mine,” laughed Helen, “ but I’ll proceed 
with mine, as, if I don’t, I may not get it done 
before my cakies come. Well, the Revolution 
ended, and no eagles were seen any more at all, 
in or near Beverly. Until, — near the close of 
the Civil War, those same eagles appeared in 
Beverly again ! ” 

“ Sure they were the same ones? Pretty old 
birds!” 

“ Oh, eagles live thousands of years ! That’s 
nothing for an eagle ! Anyway, the eagles 
came, and the Civil War soon came to its 
close.” 

“ Now then for the point of this tale,” said 
Herron. u Has friend eagle showed up of 
late?” 


[123] 


Patty-Bride 

“ He has! ” cried Helen triumphantly; “ sev- 
eral eagles were seen there last week! Now, I 
believe this war will soon end! ” 

“ The American eagle is a war-ender, all 
right!” declared Phil, “and I hope to good- 
ness, Helen, your pet scheme works out. Just 
how long after the eagles’ arrival is peace de- 
clared? Usually, I mean.” 

“ That I can’t say. Nor do I swear to the 
truth of the story. But I tell the tale as ’twas 
told to me, and you can take it or leave it.” 

“ I’ll take it,” said Patty, promptly. u I’m a 
wee bit superstitious, and I like to think of the 
eagles appearing as a harbinger of hope of 
peace, — like the Ark dove.” 

“ It can’t do any harm to believe it,” and 
Philip smiled at her; “ and it may do good. If 
you believed in a thing I’m sure it would make 
me do so, too, and if a lot of us believe, it 
might help to make it come true.” 

“ Then we’ll all believe,” said Helen, “ and 
I’m sure glad to be the means, — in a small way, 
— of helping my country toward peace ! ” 

“ One can scarcely call it more than a small 
way,” Herron said, mock-judicially, “ and yet 
it’s as much as many of us do. Even if we’re 
willing, we can’t perform. I’m ready to fly to 

[124] 


In the Tea-room 

the ends of the earth for my old Uncle Sam, 
but I have to await orders.” 

“ And I can’t help feeling glad that you do,” 
interposed Helen. “ What would us girls do 
without you boys to play with? To be sure, 
we’ll give you up 

“ When it’s ‘ Ready ! Fire ! ’ and you fire away, 

And fight ’em to a finish for the U. S. A.” 

“ For us, it’s ‘ Ready ! Fly ! ’ and we fly away,” 
and Philip looked eager at the thought. u I 
hate to leave my ain fireside, and that of 
friends and fellow citizens, but there is an 
urge ” 

“You sound like Sam Blaney!” and Patty 
laughed. “ He was always talking about the 
Cosmic Urge.” 

“ That isn’t in it with the Urge of the Flag. 
Oh, you girls don’t know the thrill of feeling 
that you can be of real help, — however small 
or insignificant help it is! ” 

Patty gave Phil an admiring glance. She 
liked this sort of talk and though she knew of 
his patriotism, she had rarely heard him ex- 
press it so strongly. 

“ Here’s your cakaroons ! ” cried Herron, as 

[125] 


Patty-Bride 

the tray appeared, and the tea and chocolate 
were served to them. 

“ Now, no war talk, for the moment,” begged 
Helen. “ It does interfere with my enjoy- 
ment of my frugal fare, to get stirred up, even 
by patriotism.” 

“ Let’s talk about our visit at the Club,” said 
Patty, suddenly. “ Did it strike any of you 
that Mrs. Doremus was a very strange 
person? ” 

“Did it!” said Philip, with emphasis. 
“Well, rather!” 

“ As how? ” asked Herron. 

“ To begin with, she was no lady,” Van 
Reypen asserted. 

“ Just what do you mean? ” pursued Herron. 

“ That’s a little harsh,” Patty demurred, 
“ but she certainly acted queer.” 

“What do you care?” Herron demanded, 
“ she served the purpose of chaperon, when no 
one else was there to do so.” 

“ Yes, I know. The principal thing I noticed 
that seemed strange was that she didn’t knit! ” 

“ My goodness gracious! I never thought of 
that! ” exclaimed Herron. 

“ Perhaps she couldn’t,” laughed Patty. 

“ At least, she could have made a stab at it, 
[126] 


In the Tea-room 

which is what most women do. Oh, you 
needn’t laugh! I’ve observed them! They 
spend more time holding their work off and 
looking at it, or counting stitches, or picking 
back — whatever that is! — or correcting mis- 
takes, or, just patting and pinching the thing! ” 

“ You’re right, Mr. Herron,” and Patty 
laughed <it his graphic description, which was 
greatly aided by his dramatic imitation of a 
nervous knitter. “ But Mrs. Doremus didn’t 
even do that. Nor did she say anything about 
it, — which was queer, I think.” 

“ Yes, it was queer,” agreed Helen, “ though 
I hadn’t thought of it before. Oh, Patty! 
This cream cake is a dream!” 

“ A dream cake? ” suggested Philip, “ a cream 
cake dream cake, — well, what I noticed espe- 
cially about our friend and benefactor, was her 
shoes.” 

Herron looked up quickly. 

“ No lady would wear shoes like those ! ” Van 
Reypen asserted. 

“ I didn’t see them,” said Patty, “ her dress 
was so long. Queer, to have such very long 
skirts, nowadays.” 

“ No lady would wear such a long skirt,” Van 
Reypen went on. 


[127] 


Patty-Bride 

“ Oh, Phil, don’t be so critical,” and Patty 
shook her head at him. “ Mrs. Doremus 
wasn’t fashionable, I know, nor even very well 
posted as to a chaperon’s duties, but she was 
kind, and she filled what I think is known as a 
long-felt want.” 

“ She told me something you haven’t told me, 
Patty,” and Helen looked reproachfully at her 
cousin. 

“What?” 

“ She says your Big Bill is coming to New 
York in February.” 

“She did! A lot she knows about it ! She’s 
a meddlesome Matty, — I think! And, be- 
sides, he isn’t, — ’cause why? ’cause if he had 
been he would have told his little Patty 
person ! ” 

“ How’d she know? ” asked Philip. 

“ Dunno. She may have heard some rumours 
or had inside information from somebody. I 
thought you’d be glad to hear it, Patty.” 

“ I am, if it’s true. But, I never believe good 
news, till Pm pretty positive. It saves disap- 
pointment, lots of times.” 

“ Little philosopher ! ” and Van Reypen gave 
her a sympathetic glance. “ But I shouldn’t be 
surprised if that news were true, for I saw 
[128] 


In the Tea-room 

something in the paper this morning that 
looked like it.” 

“ When I get home, I’ll have a letter,” and 
Patty blushed a little, “ and I rather guess I’ll 
be told, if there’s anything to tell.” 

“ Of course you will,” said Herron. “ Also, 
I’d not be surprised if Miss Fairfield knows 
more herself than she tells ! These letters from 
Washington to personal friends are not to be 
read aloud in the market-place, — for more 
reasons than one.” 

Patty looked conscious, but said nothing. 
Indeed, it was true that Farnsworth often wrote 
bits of comment on subjects that Patty knew 
must not be talked over nor his information 
divulged. And so, she preserved a scrupulous 
secrecy regarding any war news her letters 
might hold. 

Also, once in a while, Farnsworth sent Patty 
a little letter, sealed and enclosed in another. 
This he sometimes asked her not to open until 
a certain time, or he asked her to mail it in 
New York, for secret reasons. 

All of these matters Patty attended to with 
punctilious care and she loved to think that she 
was helping her Little Billee and also her 
country. 


[129] 


Patty-Bride 

“ One doesn’t read one’s love letters aloud, 
— naturally ! ” and Patty looked down and 
blushed. 

“Of course not!” cried Helen; “I should 
say not! And especially yours ! Oh, I know ! 
You’ve read bits to me now and then, and if 
what you omit is any more- -ahem — well, 
turtle-dovish than what you do read, and I’ve 
no doubt it is ” 

“ It is,” Patty returned, with unmoved equa- 
nimity. “ What’s the use of being engaged if 
one may not be what you call turtle-dovey ! 
I’m not a bit embarrassed about it. But for 
my part, I think Mrs. Doremus was decidedly 
over-curious and forward about me and my 
affairs.” 

“ Unladylike,” put in Van Reypen. 

“How you harp on that word!” exclaimed 
Patty. “ I don’t think it was so much that, as 
a lack of good breeding ” 

“ Oh, come now, Patty, didn’t you catch on? ” 

“ Catch on to what? ” 

“ Why, that Mrs. Doremus was no lady, — 
because, — she was a man.” 

“ What!” 

“ She sure was ! And I’d like an explanation, 
Herron. I thought I’d let the matter pass 

[130] 


In the Tea-room 


until I could see you alone, but I think it’s 
better to have it out here and now. You 
brought that person to us, you fixed up the 
matter, now tell us about it.” 

George Herron burst into laughter. 

“ I own up ! ” he confessed, “ I did it! Alone 
I did it ! Oh, it was a joke ! ” 

Patty looked puzzled. “ A man? ” she said; 
“ masquerading? ” 

“ Just that, dear lady,” and Herron laughed 
afresh. “I couldn’t help it! There was no 
woman on the premises save the housekeeper’s 
daughter, who was only a girl of fifteen or so. 
There was no way to keep you girls there for 
luncheon except by providing a chaperon. So, 
— I did my best. Don’t look so shocked. It 
was only a harmless jest. Surely, the quon- 
dam chaperon was in no way objectionable; 
and, as Miss Fairfield admits, she— or he — 
filled a long-felt want ! ” 

“ But who was she — or he ? ” 

“ One of the Club attendants. He’s on the 
house force, sort of manager of the heating and 
electricity departments. Well, I was put to it, 
as you know, and I was asking him what to do, 
and he suggested, — or to be accurate, he fell 
in with my suggestion, — that he slip into one of 

[131] 


Patty-Bride 

the housekeeper’s gowns and play ‘ Charley’s 
Aunt.’ So he did.” 

“What do you mean, ‘Charley’s Aunt’?” 
asked Helen. 

“ That’s an old play, all college chaps know, 
where a young man played chaperon just as 
Munson did today. Not going to be mad 
about it, are you, Miss Fairfield?” 

“ Of course she isn’t! ” cried Helen; u I think 
it’s a great joke ! And, as you say, we couldn’t 
have stayed there, otherwise ! Oh, Patty, 
don’t get on your Puritanic high horse ! It 
was only a regard for a convention, anyway, 
and the convention was regarded ! ” 

Helen went off in peals of laughter at the 
reminiscence of the so-called chaperon. “ No 
wonder he wore a long skirt! To cover up his 
feet, — of course! And his white wig! Oh, it 
was perfect! Where did he get a wig so 
handy? ” 

“ It was in a little room where a lot of things 
are, left, I believe, from some theatrical jinks. 
Anyway, he said he could make up perfectly, 
— and he did.” 

“ Oh, he did ! I think he was fine ! ” 

“ He was fine, Helen, as a masquerader,” said 
Patty, slowly, “ but I don’t think it was a fine 

[132] 


In the Tea-room 


performance, — by any means ! ” She looked 
gravely at Herron, who reddened a little, but 
stood his ground. 

“ Oh, come, now, Miss Fairfield, I didn’t 
mean any harm. Honest, I never dreamed of 
offending you, or annoying you, — I thought 
only of how to manage to keep you there for 
our little party. Moreover I thought you’d 
think it a great joke, — honest, I did.” 

Herron’s clear brown eyes were so earnest 
and his expression so troubled, that Patty’s 
heart was touched. 

“ I don’t doubt it, Mr. Herron,” and she 
smiled kindly at him, “ but it wasn’t just the 
thing to do, — was it, Phil? ” 

“ Oh, well, forget it, Pattibelle, and if you 
can’t forget it — forgive it, anyway. Herron 
meant no harm and I knew at once, that Dame 
Doremus, — as I told you, — was no lady ! But 
I saw through Herron’s motive as well as his 
joke, and there’s no great harm done that I 
can see.” 

“ I agree with Phil,” and Helen nodded her 
head positively; “I’m jolly glad you did it, 
for otherwise, I’d have had to come home with- 
out any luncheon ! ” 

“ Than which there could be no worse hard- 

[133] 


Patty-Bride 

ship!” Herron sympathised. “Am I for- 
given, Miss Fairfield?” 

“ I’m not sure,” Patty gave him a half smile, 
“ I’ll think it over. Didn’t you know this 
man? ” 

“ Not from Adam ! But, you know, you can 
size up a chap a lot from appearances, and he 
was a good sort, and amenable to — well, to 
argument.” 

“ Golden argument,” laughed Philip. “ You 
put it over, all right, Herron, old chap, and I’m 
sure Miss Fairfield will overlook her chap- 
eron’s extra-sized feet ! Had it not been that I 
noticed those, I might have been fooled myself. 
For the boy, — isn’t he a boy? ” 

“ About twenty-five or so, — I should judge.” 

“ Well, his face was boyish, and his general 
effect young, yet he donned age with his wig 
and gown, and on the whole I call it a remark- 
able bit of disguise.” 

“No wonder he didn’t knit!” exclaimed 
Helen. “ And no wonder he choked when I 
proposed that we girls stay there longer! ” 

“He acted queerly all the time;” Patty 
looked thoughtful. “ I’m thinking he knew too 
much about me and my affairs.” 

“What are you getting at now, Patty?” 

[ 134 ] 


/ 


In the Tea-room 

Helen asked. “ Think he’ll reappear in his 
proper person, and presume on our acquaint- 
ance? ” 

“ No,” said Patty, “ I’m afraid he won’t! ” 

Van Reypen looked at her. 

“ Of course, the chap’s all right, eh, Herron? 
Credentials, and that? ” 

“ Must be or they wouldn’t have him in the 
Club.” 

“ There are spies everywhere,” said Patty, in 
a whisper. 

“Oh, Pitty-Pat!” cried Helen, “is that 
what’s troubling you? Well, well! Those 
letters you get from Washington do sure go to 
your head! I see it, now, people! Bill tells 
Patty to look out for spies, and so, — she sees 
them everywhere ! ” 

“ Spies in the brooks, spies in the pastry- 
cooks ! ” exclaimed Herron, and Helen giggled. 

“ Yes, and I shouldn’t wonder if Patty sus- 
pects every one of us ! ” 

“ You needn’t laugh,” and Patty shook her 
curly head. “ There is danger, isn’t there, 
Phil?” 

“ Of course, child. But even if this bad Mrs. 
Doremus was a spy, — she learned nothing from 
us, today.” 


[135] 


Patty-Bride 

“ She — he asked a heap of questions.” 

“ But nothing of any importance. It seems 
to me that, — Munson, is that his name? — only 
showed such curiosity as would become an 
elderly lady talking with two charming girls. 
You practically told her — him, — of your en- 
gagement, Patty, so you mustn’t wonder that 
he showed some interest.” 

“ I s’pose so. Well, we won’t say anything 
more about it. I’m foolish, I suppose, — but I 
don’t like that sort of thing.” 

“Then I apologise,” said Herron, heartily; 
“ I’m truly sorry I did it, but I ask you to 
believe that I would not have done it, had it 
occurred to me for a moment that you would 
feel about it as you do.” 

“ I do believe that,” and Patty’s blue eyes 
shone with forgiveness and understanding. “ I 
know, Mr. Herron, that you really did it out of 
the kindest motives, and I exonerate you ” 

“ Wow ! what a big word ! ” cried Helen. “ If 
you’re exonerated, Mr. Herron, surely you 
can’t ask for more ! Why, I thought to be ex — 
what do you call it? was what the Pope does ! ” 

“ No, my child, that’s to be excommunicated, 
and Mr. Herron shan’t be that ! ” And Patty 
beamed full forgiveness on the culprit. 

[136] 


CHAPTER IX 


LETTERS 

C APTAIN WILLIAM FARNS- 
WORTH sat in his room, opening his 
morning mail. Or rather, his morning 
mail was waiting to be opened, while he eagerly 
perused a letter from Miss Patricia Fairfield. 

“For the love of pickled peppers!” he ex- 
claimed, in a self-addressed murmur, “ she 
didn’t! she couldn’t! ” 

For the letter said, — in part: 

“ I am so glad you’re thinking of coming to 
New York in February! That’s soon here! 
Which day? What hour? Oh, my Little 
Billee, how can I wait to see you ! I want to 
look in those dear, big, loving blue eyes, and 
have them answer the questions I want to ask. 
You know what the questions are ! Oh, well, 
suppose I do know the answers, — I guess a little 
Patty Blossom can ask over again if her big Sir 
Galahad loves her, — and why, — and how much, 
— and a few such things, — that are important, 
if true ! And there is nothing in this whole 

[137] 


Patty-Bride 

round world truer than our love, — is there, 
dear? I just live in it, — when I am alone, I 
thing of nothing but US, and, I’m afraid I am 
absent-minded, even when other people are 
about. Do come home soon, — come to your 
own Patty Posy. Tell me quick when to look 
for you ! Why didn’t you tell me sooner there 
was hope of seeing you soon? My own dear 
big man, my own, my owner, my ownest, I’m 
now and forever 

“ Your 

“ Patty Blossom.” 

Farnsworth frowned, — he looked puzzled, 
amazed, hurt. 

Again he resorted to expletives. “ Great 
jumping kangaroos ! ” he said to himself, “ I 
can’t see it! Patty never did such a thing! 
never! But if not, how did she know? I be- 
lieve the very walls have not only ears but 
tongues and pens in their hands, and a whole 
wireless outfit beside ! I can’t suspect Patty, — 
and yet, — all women are curious, — and, of 
course, this doesn’t matter so much, — but if I 
can’t trust her in everything how can I trust 
her at all?” 

With a sigh, he laid the letter aside, and 
turned to his business correspondence. 

[ 138 ] 


Letters 


Farnsworth’s position was a responsible one, 
and it contained and involved many secrets that 
must be carefully guarded. Among these was 
the fact and date of his next trip to New York. 
It was on a matter of moment, and it was not 
desirable that his absence from Washington 
should be known. He had written Patty about 
it, but he had enclosed the message in a sealed 
envelope, with directions not to open it until 
he wired her to do so. Thus, he planned, she 
would know it in time, but the information 
could not leak out. And now it had leaked out. 
Patty knew and made no secret of the knowl- 
edge that he was expected in New York. Had 
she told others? And, — worst of all, — had she 
opened the sealed letter before he told her to? 
This was incredible, — yet, what other solu- 
tion or theory was possible? And there was 
to be considered a grouchy old Colonel, 
who would make all sorts of trouble for 
Captain Farnsworth if it became known 
that he was careless with his personal corre- 
spondence. 

Because of his well-trained mind, and his 
power of concentration, Farnsworth forced 
himself to attend to matters in hand, but ever 
and again flashed across his preoccupied brain 
[ 139 ] 


Patty-Bride 

the fact that Patty had disregarded his 
instructions. 

He lived with a pleasant family in the Capital, 
and his quarters were the whole of the second 
floor of the small house. This gave him a 
good-sized sitting room, which was his private 
office, and here he transacted all business that 
didn’t require his presence at the more public 
buildings. 

He kept doggedly at work, determined not to 
let the disturbing episode interfere with his 
efficiency. And he succeeded, but only by dint 
of perseverance in his resolve not to think of 
Patty at all. 

This was difficult, for every glance of his eye 
fell on something remindful of her. A photo- 
graph on his desk; other little snapshots lurk- 
ing among his papers; a paper-cutter she had 
given him; indeed, the pen he wrote with was 
her parting gift; and all spoke eloquently of 
the girl he had so reluctantly left behind 
him. 

“ Busy, Captain?” called a gay voice, and a 
merry face peeped in at the door. 

“ Always busy,” he returned, cheerily, “ but 
never too busy to say good morning.” 

“ Oh, I know what that means ! That I must 
[140] 


Letters 


say good morning, and nothing more! But I 
do want just half a dozen more words.” 

The piquant face smiled coaxingly, as Lena 
Richards danced in. She was the daughter of 
the house, a dark-haired, olive-skinned little 
gipsy, who, being quite spoiled by her doting 
parents, assumed the right to have her own way 
with every one else. 

Farnsworth liked her as no one could help 
doing, but he was often obliged to speak more 
curtly than he liked to, or she would intrude too 
often on his time. 

She wore a smock of pink linen and her curly 
hair was bundled into a little Dutch cap. She 
came in, with the venturesome air of a mis- 
chievous child, and perched saucily on the 
corner of the big desk. 

“ You see,” she began, “ I’m in an awful 
scrape — well, that is, Fm not, but somebody 
else is ” 

“Who isn’t?” said Farnsworth, smiling at 
the roguish little face that wore such a troubled 
frown. 

“ Yes, I s’pose everybody is, more or less, 
from the President down. And when you 
think of that, my little brother does seem small, 
but — you see, to me ” 


[HO 


Patty-Bride 

“ It’s a national calamity? ” 

“ Personal rather than national, — yet it may 
be said to be international.” 

“ Many of our troubles are. Your story in- 
terests me strangely, — my che-ild, — but truly, 
Lena, I can’t take time now to hear the yarn. 
I suppose your fudge was lumpy, or your new 
ribbons don’t match your frock, — is that it? ” 

“ You always talk as if I were a child! ” and 
the scarlet lips pouted petulantly. 

“ Of course ! I always think of you as a kiddy 
in a middy.” 

“ This isn’t a middy, it’s a smock, and a very 
grown up one at that.” 

“ Do smocks grow up? Thought they only 
grew old. Well, anyway, whatever your age, 
I’ve no time to waste on you this morning. My 
country needs me ! ” 

“ You’re always so unkind to me, ” and 

two crystal drops formed in the big, brown 
eyes. 

Now, William Farnsworth was the sort of 
man who can’t stand seeing a woman in dis- 
tress. And though he knew that this sixteen- 
year-old chit could have no real or deep trouble, 
he yet could not bring himself to speak sternly 
to her, and tell her to leave the room. 

[142] 


Letters 


Against his will, he obeyed the dictates of his 
kind heart, and taking out his watch, said : 

“ I’ll give you ten minutes. Spill your story 
in Papa’s ear ! ” 

The dark little face lighted with gladness, 
and Lena murmured, “ How good you are ! 
Listen, then! You know my friend, Gracie 
Hadley?” 

“ Haven’t the pleasure. Who’s she in 
America ? ” 

“ Well, she’s just Gracie, that’s all. And — 
sh ! ” — Lena looked cautiously about, “ don’t 
breathe it, but she’s in love with an English 
chap who’s over here. And her mother doesn’t 
approve ” 

“ Why ? Who’s the Britisher ? ” 

“ I don’t want to tell you, ’cause it’s Gracie’s 
secret ” 

“ All right; I don’t want to know anyway. 
But where do I come in ? I hate to hurry you, 
but I’m assuming I play a part in this tragedy, 
and I want my cue, for honest to goodness, 
Lena, I’ve troubles of my own! ” 

“ Yes, I know, Captain, and I won’t be but a 
minute explaining. Well, Gracie has been cor- 
responding with this man, ” 

“ Oh, naughty! naughty! ” 

[1431 


Patty-Bride 

“Hush! It’s all right; only of course, she 
doesn’t want her mother to know. Well, she 
tears up his letters, but — what do you think ! ” 
“ Censor?” 

“ No ! but the man has given her her letters 

to him ” 

“ Returned them ! ” 

“ No; I mean yes, — but for this reason — you 
fluster me so, — with your snapping up ! ” 

“ Well, well, go and tell it in your own way. 
But, for Heaven’s sake, hurry up ! ” 

“ All right. You see he gave her these letters 
to save for him just while he’s away somewhere, 
and he wants them when he comes back.” 

“ Can’t she write some more? ” 

“Oh! You’re so unfeeling! So — why, 
you’re stupid !” 

“ Pardon, — sorry! Fire away.” 

“ Never mind details, — Gracie can’t keep 
them at home, for fear her mother will 
find them — she snoops awfully ! And — I can’t 

keep them here, ” 

“ For a similar reason? ” 

“Yes; exactly! So, — Captain Farnsworth, — 
nice, dear Captain Farnsworth, won’t you let 
me hid them in here, — among your things? ” 

“ Goodness ! Little One, is that all you want? 

[ 144 ] 


Letters 


Sure! Hide them wherever you like in my 
domain. Your eagle-eyed mother won’t find 
them in here! But, hold on! Nothing that 
wouldn’t get by the Censor, is there? ” 

“ Oh, goodness, no ! Nothing like that! ” 

“ Guess I’ll have to have a glimpse of ’em, 
though. Not to pry into the lovers’ confi- 
dences, of course, but because I can’t harbour 
papers unless I’m satisfied of their contents.” 

“ All right, — that goes ! I’ll get them now; ” 
and running from the room, Lena, returned with 
a small packet of letters tied with blue ribbon. 

Farnsworth examined the envelopes, and 
glanced here and there at the written pages. 

“ All right,” he said, re-tying the packet, “ in- 
ternal evidence proves conclusively to my mind 
that these documents are just what you describe 
them to be. Say we put them in the top drawer 
of my chiffonier; how’s that? ” 

“ Fine ! Mother would never dream of look- 
ing in your room ! ” 

“ I should hope not! And now may I, with- 
out undue haste, bid you a very good 
morning? ” 

“ S’pose I’ve got to go, if you put it like that. 
I did want to tell you more about Grade; and 
there’s something I want to ask you.” 

[145] 


Patty-Bride 

“ Not now, not now, my child. I am busy — 
see? B-U-S-Y! My Flag comes before my 
friends ! Thus, you see my friends follow the 
Flag!” 

“You are so witty! And so kind. Thank 
you lots, Captain, and when you’re not so busy, 
may I talk to you again? ” 

“ If that time ever comes! But it never will 
unless you clear out! Scoot now!” Farns- 
worth held the door persuadingly open, and 
Lena didn’t scoot, but she went slowly and 
reluctantly out. 

“ The pretty little nuisance ! ” muttered the 
Captain, as he closed and locked his door. 

Without further interruption, Bill put in the 
morning on his war work, and at last was free 
to consider the case against Patty Fairfield. 

“ She’s true blue,” he thought, “ far too true 
to do anything she deemed wrong or even in- 
discreet. But I suppose she didn’t realise how 
definite, — how imperative my instructions were, 
— maybe I didn’t tell her distinctly enough, — 
maybe she forgot, — or was really overcome 
with a desire to know what was in that sealed 
note. Oh, well, I must warn her further. I 
hate to hurt her, — I can’t let her think I dis- 
trust her, — and Lord knows I don’t ! How I 
[146] 


Letters 


wish I had more time ! But I’ve that appoint- 
ment at two — and — whew ! I’ll have to 
scribble to Patty pretty fast, whatever I say! ” 

The result, after one or two torn-up attempts, 
was this: 

“ My Own Patty Blossom, — my Posy Face, — 
my Best Beloved : I’ve only a minute to write 
this time, and so I must come to the point at 
once. Dear Heart , — did you open the sealed 
note before I told you to ? Oh, well, — I know 
you did so never mind about that, — but, my 
precious little girl, don’t, please don’t ever do it 
again. You see, I send you notes thus, so that 
you can open them in haste when I wire you 
that you may. Now, if you open them sooner, 
I never know where we stand. In this matter, 
darling, please consider my wishes — and, espe- 
cially because I meant to send a really valuable 
paper to you, in order what you might hand it 
to me when I do come to New York, and I 
won’t have to carry it with me or trust it to the 
general mail. I can’t explain all these matters, 
as you know, dear, but I do want to feel that 
in the government work that is entrusted to 
me, I can as implicitly trust you to be my aid 
and helper. Can’t I, Sweetheart ? Of course, 
I know I can, and I know your eager haste to 
[ 147 ] 


Patty-Bride 

learn my plans led you to open that letter be- 
fore time. So, don’t do it again, and all will 
be well. Now, I’ve not another minute, but I 
must take time to say once again that I love 
you, and you’re all the world to me, my dear, 
dear little Posy Patty. 

“ And I’m your faithful and devoted 

“ Little Billee.” 

When Patty received this letter she read it 
and sat aghast. What could he mean? She 
had never opened a letter until he told her to ! 
Many times she had received permission by 
mail or by wire, and then she had opened the 
sealed notes so frequently enclosed in Bill’s 
letters to her. But never before she got the 
word! Never, — never! 

Again she read the pages from Washington. 
Had Farnsworth imagined it or what had made 
him dream that she had done such a thing? 

She? Not to be trusted! When every 
thought she had, every deed she did was with 
the one trust and hope that she might help her 
Captain, — even in the smallest way! 

She went to her writing desk and from a 
locked drawer she took Bill’s sealed note, that 
had come with a recent letter. 

It was still sealed. Why would he think she 
[148] 


Letters 


had opened it? Oh, well, she thought, some- 
thing has made him think so. I must write him 
at once that I didn’t. He’ll believe me, of 
course. I know his faith and trust, and they 
are not misplaced, that’s certain ! 

So, a letter was quickly written and despatched 
telling the Captain that his aid and helper in 
New York had not been false to her trust in 
the minutest particular. 

But Patty was still puzzled and gave much 
thought to the matter. 

When Van Reypen came to say good-bye on 
the eve of his departure for camp, he found a 
quiet and worried little girl, who received him 
with but a slight smile. 

“ Well, my Lady Fair, you look as if you’d 
lost your last friend, — or, perhaps, as if you 
were about to lose him ! May I take this gen- 
eral air of gloom as a tribute to my regrettable 
absence? Is it just ’cause you’re going to lose 
your little old friend that you look so discon- 
solate? ” 

“ No, sir! it isn’t! In the first place, I don’t 
look sad, and in the second place, if I do, it 
isn’t because I’m doing any ‘ Leah, the for- 
saken,’ act! I shall miss you, of course, but 
in these days we must learn to miss people ! ” 
[ 149 ] 


Patty-Bride 

“ That’s true, Patty, and have you any idea, 
— any faint glimmering of a notion, how I shall 
miss you ? ” 

“ Phil, I know all grades of missing! I’m no 
novice at it. Since this war called them, I’ve 
missed acquaintances, casual friends, old 
friends, relatives, and, of course, most of all, 
my own Little Billee. Now, I shall miss you, 
— and I know you’ll miss me, — but, you’ll soon 
get so interested in your work — in the great 
game, — that you’ll — oh, not forget me, I’m 
sure, — but my memory will become, let us say, 
a little blurred.” 

“Indeed it won’t! But, hold on here, if it 
isn’t my departure, what is it that has made 
your countenance sickbed o’er with a pale cast 
of — something or other? ” 

“Rice powder, probably! Does it really 
make me look sickly? Good gracious ! ” Patty 
scrubbed at her cheeks with her handkerchief, 
until they were rosy indeed. 

“ Nope; you can’t rub it off! It’s ingrained. 
Come now, what’s up? ” 

“ Well, I am bothered. Philip, how do war 
secrets leak out? ” . 

“ How do they keep from it, you mean ! 
Why, Patty, the end and aim of a majority of 

[150] 


Letters 


our citizens seems to be to chatter and make 
trouble thereby. What’s exploded now? ” 

“ Nothing that I can tell you, — only, — well, — 
never mind.” 

“You transparent little goose! Have you 
been and went and told something Farnsworth 
told you not to? ” 

“No, I haven’t! But he thought I did, so 
it’s just as bad! ” 

“No; not just as bad, — but, bad. What 
was it? ” 

“ Never mind, but he thought I opened a 
sealed envelope and it’s still sealed.” 

“Has it been out of your possession?” 

“ Not for a minute ! ” 

“ Good ! and locked away when you are 
asleep? ” 

“ Always; locked in a secret drawer.” 

“ Good, again. Then, you’re all right. But 
let me warn you, Patty, to be most exceedingly 
cautious. Farnsworth’s work is of the highest 
importance, and his plans must not be known in 
advance. I know this even better than you do, 
and I beg of you to be even over-careful of any 
orders he may give you.” 

“ Oh, lam! I do ! But you see, this matter 
must have leaked out some other way, and he 

[151] 


Patty-Bride 

thought it was because of my knowledge of it.” 

“Patty!” Philip spoke suddenly; “did you 
have that letter with you that day at the 
Timothy Grass Club? ” 

“Yes; I had just received it that morning.” 
“ Where did you carry it? ” 

“In my fur stole; there’s a buttoned pocket 
in the end of it, and it’s a safe place.” 

“ And that Munson, — that masquerader, — 
wore your stole ! ” 

“ So he did ! ” and Patty looked frightened. 
“ But, no ! that’s all right, Phil. The enclosed 
note was still sealed when I reached home, and 
it is sealed yet ! ” 

“Very well; but don’t take any chances. 
Leave your letters at home and carefully locked 
up, if they contain anything outside your en- 
tirely personal affairs. I speak whereof I 
know, Patty, and you must be careful ! ” 

“ I will, Philip, oh, truly I will,” and Patty 
gave the promise in all sincerity. 


[152] 


CHAPTER X 


A VALENTINE 

“TT TELL,” said Helen Barlow, dashing 
YY into Patty’s room one morning, “ I 
am certainly having the time of my 
sweet young life ! They may say what they 
like about the horrors of war, and there are 
plenty of them, and nobody knows that better 
than I do, and nobody does more to help our 
side than you do, but all the same, my fairy- 
fair cousin, I do get a lot of pleasant parties 
and happy hours out of it all.” 

“Why, Bumble-Bee, what’s up now?” 

“ Look at all these letters in my morning’s 
mail ! And nearly every one an invitation to a 
gathering of some sort, connected with Our 
Boys. Dinners and evening parties and little 
dances, all for the Khaki and the Blue! Red 
Cross Benefits, private charities and any num- 
ber of War Relief meetings! Don’t think I’m 
a heartless wretch, Patsy, but I do love the 
everlasting gadding about, and meeting people 
and being in the excitement of it all ! ” 

[153] 


Patty-Bride 

“ Good for you, Bumble,” said Nan, coming 
in, “ having heard your views, I’ll invite you to 
help me with a small and early bazaar I’m 
arranging for a Valentine fete.” 

“ Of course I’ll do all I can, Nan. Tell me 
more. When is it to be ? ” 

“On the twelfth; we want to sell valentines 
to send to the soldiers in camp, and incidentally, 
have a good time, and, moreover, make a little 
money for my committee.” 

“ Where you going to have it? ” asked Patty, 
looking up from her desk, where she was writ- 
ing letters. 

“ Why, here,” said Nan. “ You needn’t do 
much, Pattikins, you’ve so many irons in the 
fire; Bumble and I will run this show.” 

“ Good for you ! I have about all I can 
manage on a paltry twenty-four hours a day. 
But I’ll buy a valentine of you to send to my 
own particular Soldier Boy. Oh, Nan, isn’t he 
the dearest thing! Just look at this new pic- 
ture of him! Did anybody ever look so well 
in a uniform? ” 

“ He is sure great ! ” exclaimed Bumble, tak- 
ing the picture; “ I don’t wonder you rave over 
him, Patty.” 

“ Nor I,” Nan agreed. “ He’s so big, yet so 

[1541 


A Valentine 

well-proportioned that he doesn’t look too 
big.” 

“ Oh, thank you, Nan! I dunno what I’d do 
if he were too big!” Patty showed mock 
alarm at the thought. “ You see, the bigger he 
is the smaller I seem, but I’m trying to emulate 
Bumble, and get a little more weighty. It’s 
hard, though, with the food conservation to be 
looked after, and the sweetless days here and 
there ” 

“ You don’t have any sweetless days, if 
you read those long letters you get,” put in 
Helen. 

“ And pray, how do you know as to their 
sweetness? ” 

“ Oh, I’m a mind reader, and when I see you 
peruse a letter, and fairly lap it up, like a cat, 
and then sit looking like the cat who ate the 
canary, I don’t have to be a detective to deduce 
that the letter was a sweet one! ” 

“ Good for you, Bumble ! You guessed right 
the very first time! My Captain’s letters are 
sweet, and so is he ! ” 

“ Sounds like a valentine ! And he’s in love 
and so is she ! ” 

“ We are,” said Patty, complacently. “ And 
that’s no secret. As to valentines, pick me out 
[ 155 ] 


Patty-Bride 

the prettiest and the wittiest and the one that 
reads best, and save it for me, when you two 
busy bees have this festa, — or whatever you 
call it.” 

“That’s so! What shall we call it?” and 
Helen turned to Nan. “ Ought to begin with 
a V. Valentine Valley? Valentine Villa ? ” 

“ Not very good,” Nan considered. “ How’s 
Valentine Verses?” 

“ All valentines have verses. Help us out, 
Patty. Do that much for the cause. Give us 
a name for our Sale.” 

“ Valentine Vendue,” said Patty, without look- 
ing up from her writing. Though apparently 
absorbed in her own affairs she had heard all 
they said. 

“ A vendue is an auction,” objected Nan. 

“ Oh, well, it means a sale,” Patty defended, 
“ and too, of course, you’ll auction off the left- 
overs, they always do at a sale.” 

u We might have it all an auction, ” began 

Nan. 

“ All right, do,” returned Patty, “ but run 
away, kiddies, and make your plans somewhere 
else, won’t you? Miss Fairfield is busy.” 

“ Come on, Bumble, we’ll go off and flock by 
ourselves. And we’ll plan such a bee-yutiful 
[ 156 ] 


A Valentine 


party that we’ll sell enough valentines for the 
whole National Army.” 

“ Do they want valentines? ” asked Helen as 
she went off with Nan. 

“ That doesn’t matter, my dear. The thing 
is for us to sell the valentines, and get the 
money for the committee ; and then, if the sweet 
missives are never sent, it won’t matter. But, 
yes, I think the boys in camp would be jolly 
glad to get nice loving valentine verses. They 
needn’t know who sends them, of course.” 

“ I shall put my name on all / send. I’d like 
to get a letter back.” 

“Your mail is full of such letters already! 
You’re a camp belle, Bumble, — you certainly 
are! ” 

“ I might make a joke about the camp belles 
are coming! ” laughed Helen, “but I’d scorn 
to do it!” 

“ Then don’t. Come on, now, and let’s make 
lists and all that.” 

The night of February twelfth found the Fair- 
field house bedecked for the Valentine Vendue. 
Palms and flowers and hearts and darts and 
ribbon streamers and true-love knots were 
everywhere. Patty had helped both with ad- 
vice and with actual work and the result was 

[157] 


Patty-Bride 

bewilderingly beautiful. Not only the regu- 
lation valentines of lace paper and rhymed 
lines were for sale, but also small and appro- 
priate gifts, in decorated boxes, fancy bonbon- 
nieres, pots and baskets of flowers and flower- 
ing plants, and even jewelled trinkets and 
curios. For these things had been donated for 
the cause, and the venders hoped the men would 
buy them for their sweethearts. 

Also there were valentines for the soldiers, 
and boxes of tobacco and cigarettes, containing 
sentimental missives. 

Nan’s committee was a large one, and all had 
worked diligently until the result was even more 
gratifying than they had hoped. 

Patty and Helen wore effective and appro- 
priate costumes for they loved to “ dress up,” 
and this was too good a chance to be lost. 

Their short frocks were of white tarlatan, 
edged with lace, and much befrilled. Garlands 
of tiny rosebuds decked the skirts, and the 
bodices were trimmed with blue ribbons and gilt 
paper hearts. Toy Cupids perched on their 
shoulders, and love-knots of blue decked their 
hair. 

“ Do you expect Lieutenant Herron? ” Helen 
asked, as they awaited the guests. 

[158] 


A Valentine 


“ Rather ! ” returned Patty, “ considering he’s 
always about wherever you are.” 

“Me! It’s you he hovers over! Don’t be 
coy, — you don’t fool your little Bumble- 
bee!” 

“ Don’t you be a silly P w laughed Patty; “ I’ve 
no use for the Herron person. If he’s here 
tonight, I’ll take it as a favour if you’ll charm 
him away from my haunts.” 

“ Can’t do it,” and Helen shrugged her 
shoulders. “ He won’t be charmed. More- 
over, I’ve a lot of my own particular friends 
coming, and I’ll have my hands full to enter- 
tain them.” 

“ Nan was right when she called you a camp 
belle. You’re looking sweet tonight, Bumble, 
and I s’pect some man will buy you for a valen- 
tine. Is Chester coming? ” 

“ I s’pose so. Wish he wasn’t! He’s such a 
burr.” 

“ Yes, he does stick to you. I’ll take him for 
a while, and give you some rest. I like Mr. 
Wilde a whole lot.” 

The guests began to arrive, and soon the 
rooms were really crowded. The valentines 
sold quickly, for those who did not want them 
bought “ for the good of the cause.” 

[159] 


Patty-Bride 

Lieutenant Herron came early, and as Bumble 
had predicted, he attached himself to Patty’s 
train of followers. 

“ Such a clutter of men about you ! ” he ex- 
claimed, as he sought her side, edging his way 
through a group of valentine buyers. “ I say, 
Miss Fairfield, let some one else sell these 
people for a while, and you come and have an 
ice with me, won’t you? ” 

“ Pm not selling the people ! ” cried Patty, 
smiling, “ Pm selling valentines.” 

“ All the same. But you need a rest. Come 
along, and take it, and come back to your work 
refreshed.” 

Patty was tired, and so she asked some one 
else to take her place Jor a while, and sauntered 
off with Herron. 

They found a pleasant table in the supper 
room, and sat down together. 

“ I saw your friend Van Reypen yesterday,” 
said Herron, after he had given their order. 

“ Oh, you did? How is he? ” 

“ Fit as a fiddle, and learning to fly, like a 
young robin ! ” 

“ I thought he’d be an apt pupil. Phil is 
clever at ’most anything.” 

“ Yes, he is. And he takes to aviation like 
[160] 


A Valentine 

a duck to water. What do you hear from your 
other friend? ” 

“ My other friend ! Have I then but one 
more?” v 

Patty well knew Lieutenant Herron meant 
Little Billee, but she was always chary of talk- 
ing about Farnsworth to anybody. 

“ Only one that you care for; isn’t that so? ” 

44 Oh, no ! I care for lots of people, and I 
care for all our soldiers ! How can you think 
otherwise? ” 

44 Yes, in a sense. But only one you care for 
especially.” 

“ Naturally. If you mean Captain Farns- 
worth, and I suppose you do, — most girls care 
especially for the men they are engaged to.” 

“ Are you really engaged to him? ” 

44 Of course I am ! Why do you ask ? ” 

44 Oh, nothing.” 

“Your tone belies your words; what do you 
mean, Lieutenant?” 

Patty’s eyes gave an ominous flash that her 
friends all knew indicated serious indignation, 
but Herron answered lightly, 44 Oh, nothing, 
really. I only happened to hear from a friend, 
of Farnsworth’s infatuation for a little dark- 
eyed beauty down in Washington.” 

[ 1 6 1 ] 


Patty-Bride 

Patty looked at him, amusedly. 

“ If you’re teasing me, your jest is in poor 
taste, Lieutenant Herron. If you’re in earnest, 
I refuse to listen to you.” 

“There, there, don’t get huffy! I didn’t 
mean to stir you up ! I only heard rumours, — 
doubtless there’s nothing in them.” 

“ Doubtless there isn’t, — and, also, doubtless 
it doesn’t concern you, if there is ! ” 

Patty was thoroughly angry at the man’s im- 
pertinence, but she did not want to do anything 
so conspicuous as to get up and leave the din- 
ing-room, where many small tables were occu- 
pied by a merry crowd of guests. 

“Not at all! not at all! yet, I can’t regret 
my words, since they have given me an oppor- 
tunity of seeing you when you are ruffled! 
Prettier than ever ! How blue eyes can 
flash!” 

Suddenly Patty felt a fear of this man. He 
did not seem to ring true. But her quick- 
wittedness made her realise that to continue 
angry, was to make him more amused and 
interested, so she changed her tactics. 

“ Any girl’s eyes would flash at your insin- 
uations,” she said, with a sudden bright smile. 

[162] 


A Valentine 

“ But now I know you are chaffing, I don’t 
mind.” 

“ And how do you know I’m chaffing? ” 

“ Because your own eyes twinkle so.” 

As a matter of fact, Herron’s eyes were snap- 
ping maliciously, but Patty ignored this, and 
deftly turned the subject. 

“ When do you go back to the Aviation 
Field? ” she inquired. 

“ Tomorrow, alas ! I had hoped for longer 
leave, but a new class is to be trained, and I 
must be on the job.” 

“ I can’t help marvelling at the courage and 
bravery of an aviator. It seems to me that 
you take your life in your hands ever more des- 
perately and dangerously than those actually at 
the front.” 

“ In a sense, we do,” agreed Herron, a little 
gravely. u As the darky said, ‘ If yuh gets 
killed on the ground, yuh knows where yuh 
is; but if yuh gets killed up in de air, — where 
is yuh? ’ ” 

“ And so many do get killed.” 

“ Yes, but the proportion continually grows 
smaller, of course, as we learn more of the 
art.” 

“ Do you call aviation an art? ” 

[163] 


Patty-Bride 

“ Yes, an Art with a big A ! It’s a science as 
well, to be sure; it’s also a mechanical process 
and — it’s largely sheer luck! ” 

“ I’m glad Mr. Van Reypen is doing well. 
He has a cool head, you know.” 

“ Yes, and that’s a great thing. A steady 
nerve, and mental poise come first in the re- 
quirements for a successful flyer. When are 
you to be married, Miss Fairfield?” 

“Good gracious! You take my breath away 
with your sudden questions. Incidentally, they 
are a bit rude. Do you ask about such per- 
sonal matters in your home town? ” 

Herron had the grace to blush. But he said, 
slowly, “ I suppose I would, if I cared as much 
to know as I do in this case.” 

“Why?” 

“Why? You know why! You must know! 
Because I’m over head and ears in love with 
you, myself! Because, though it would add to 
my misery to know you’re to be married soon, 
yet it would be a blessed relief to know it would 
not be soon ! ” 

“ I cannot see, Lieutenant Herron, that these 
matters concern you at all,” said Patty, icily, 
and then the look of pained reproach he gave 
her smote her heart. For Patty was a gentle 
[164] 


A Valentine 


soul, and rarely hurt the feelings of anybody. 
“ I think I must ask you to drop this subject 
and never refer to it again.” But she spoke 
softly, and shook off her air of offended dignity. 

u Forgive me,” he murmured, “ truly I didn’t 
mean to! But I couldn’t help it. You’re 
right, it’s none of my business, and I apologise. 
Come, I see you’re ready to leave here, let us 
go and buy a valentine, which you shall send 
to your betrothed, and then you’ll forgive 
me.” 

His tone was gay again, and glad that the 
tension of the situation was relieved, Patty went 
with him to the valentine tables. 

u Here’s a dandy! ” remarked the pretty girl 
who was selling them. “ New idea, too. 
Funny and yet clever ! Want one ? ” 

Herron took the one offered, and smiled as he 
read its lines. 

“ You wouldn’t dare send that to your 
fiance! ” he said, laughingly. 

Carelessly, Patty glanced at it. It was a well- 
done little sketch of a lover and his lass, lean- 
ing over a rustic stile, in true valentine fashion. 
Cupids and turtle-doves hovered above, and 
hearts and darts formed a conventional margin. 
The lines read: 


Patty-Bride 

“ Our love is high as Heaven 
And wide as rolling sea; 

The vows cannot be riven 
That bind my love and me. 

But should our pledge be broken, 

Or should your love be dead, 

Send back this tender token 
And let us never wed.” 

“ Good gracious ! ” laughed Patty, “ what a 
woe-begone outlook for such a happy-looking 
pair ! And I’m sure such a dismal foreboding 
could never come true for these rustic swains ! 
They’re a real Strephon and Chloe couple ! ” 

“ All the same, I see you don’t take my dare.” 

“What dare?” 

“ I dare you to send that valentine to Captain 
Farnsworth.” 

“ What! You think I hesitate, lest he return 
it to me ! ” The absurdity of this struck Patty 
as very funny, and she laughed outright. 

“ Yes, I think so,” and Herron laughed, too. 

“ How ridiculous you are ! Why, I’d just as 
lief send that as not! ” 

“ Go ahead, and do it, then. Prove your 
words.” 

“ Will you buy it for me, at a goodly price? ” 
[ 1 66 ] 


A Valentine 


“ Whatever the saleslady asks.” 

“All right. What’s the price, Maisie?” 

Greatly amused, the gay little sales-girl said, 
“ Ten dollars, sir.” 

A little daunted, but true to his word, Herron 
paid the price, and took Patty to the library, 
where there was a desk made ready for any 
who desired to address and despatch their 
missives then and there. 

Patty wrote Farnsworth’s Washington ad- 
dress, and Herron held out his hand for the 
envelope. 

“ I’ll mail it as I go home,” he said, and 
Patty gave it to him. 

The whole incident made little impression on 
her, for though she didn’t particularly admire 
the valentine, nor did she care for the so-called 
“ poetry ” on it, yet, at the same time, it meant 
an extra ten dollar bill in the coffers of the 
committee, and that was well worth while. 

Not much later, the Lieutenant said good 
night, for, as he stated, he had to leave for his 
duties early next morning. 

“ And I’m sorry if I offended you, Miss Fair- 
field, and I hope you’ll forgive me,” he begged. 
“ But, — well, my only excuse is, the temptation 
was too great, and the opportunity was mine, 
[167] 


Patty-Bride 

so I said more than I intended, and more than 
I ought.” 

“ All right, Lieutenant, if you didn’t mean it, 
I forgive you.” 

“ I don’t say I didn’t mean it, — for that 
wouldn’t be true ; but I didn’t mean to tell you 
of it.” 

“ Then,” and Patty spoke gravely, now, 
“ never let any circumstance or opportunity 
tempt you to do it again.” 

“ Then I mustn’t see you,” Herron said, in a 
low voice. 

“ Very well, then don’t see me. It will be far 
better for both. Where is your sense of 
honour? of fairness? Another man’s fiancee 
is not to be thought of, save with respect and 
courtesy.” 

“ I know it,” and the man looked miserably 
sad; “and I do mean to treat you with all 
respect and courtesy, — but, oh, Miss Fairfield, 
Patty, — let me call you that just once, — if you 
knew how broken up I am over it all ! ” 

u Then,” said Patty, firmly, though she was 
touched at the sight of his evident suffering, 
“ then the only thing is for us not to meet 
again, at all. I’m sorry, Lieutenant Herron, 
for I like you, but these matters are often out- 
[ 1 68 ] 


A Valentine 


/ 

side our own will, and so, I can sec no way but 
for us to keep apart.” 

“ May I not come to see you next time I’m 
in town? ” 

“ I think not,” said Patty, gently, and then 
she bade him a courteous but definite and final 
good night. 


CHAPTER XI 


PATTY IN TEARS 

P ATTY’S bedroom was a pretty, cheery 
and charming place. The sunlight came 
in through delicate, lacy curtains, the 
furniture and appointments were all that a fas- 
tidious taste could desire, and the pictures and 
trinkets scattered about were beautiful and 
attractive. There were always fresh flowers in 
the vases and the whole effect was conducive to 
happiness and contentment. 

Yet across the lace-covered bed was the out- 
stretched form of somebody who had flung her- 
self there in a very abandonment of woe. 
Somebody with golden curly hair, from which 
the boudoir cap had fallen unheeded; somebody 
who was digging a little wet mop of a hand- 
kerchief into eyes that flowed with tears like 
a very freshet of rain. Somebody who was 
shaking and quivering with great racking sobs 
that were all the more agonising because they 
were silent. 


[170] 


Patty In Tears 

Patty was crying. And with her ever-active 
efficiency, she was making a thorough and com- 
plete success of it. Now and then, she would 
pause, sit up and vigorously wipe her eyes, then 
she would fling herself back into the nest of 
damp pillows and start all over again. Her 
pretty negligee of light blue silk was crumpled 
into a shocking state; one little slipper had 
fallen off, and though her face was buried in 
the pillows her heaving shoulders and tumbled 
curls still bore witness to the woe that was 
torturing her soul. 

Suddenly, she became angry, and sat up 
straight, fists clenched, eyes blazing, — fairly 
gritting her teeth in a wave of indignation. 

Then again, grief, deep, hopeless grief over- 
came her, and back she fell, fresh tears welling 
up and spilling over. 

“ Patty,” cried Bumble, bouncing into the 
room, “I’ve a splendid plan! Let’s get a 
whole lot of top balloons, and — for the love 
of Michaelovitch Paderewski ! what is the 
matter? ” 

Curiously Bumble looked at the shaking figure 
on the bed. With a frightened face, she came 
cautiously toward Patty, unable to believe her 
eyes at the sight of her cousin’s attitude. 

[17U 


Patty-Bride 

“Get out! go ’way! ” wailed Patty, in such 
hollow tones that they scarce seemed her own 
at all. 

“ Patty ! dear ! my own little darling cousin, 
what is it? Tell Bumble! Tell me, dear.” 

“ N-nothing! Go away, I tell you.” 

u I won’t go away! Hdw can I, when I don’t 
know what’s the matter with you! Are you 
ill?” 

“ No — no — oh, Bumble, don’t pester me! ” 

“ But what ails you, Patty? You don’t even 
speak like yourself. Pm going to call Nan.” 

“No, don’t! Yes, do! Oh, I don’t care 
what you do ! ” and a brand-new deluge poured 
forth, as Patty sat up and stared at Helen with 
eyes full of utter woe as well as gushing tears. 

Thoroughly frightened, Helen did call Nan, 
who came at once. 

“ Why, you poor little thing,” she said, sit- 
ting down beside Patty, and caressing her, as 
she offered a fresh handkerchief in place of the 
squeezed up mop in Patty’s hand. 

“ Never mind, dear, don’t try to talk, — just be 
quiet. And cry all you like, — but, gracious ! I 
didn’t know one person could hold so many 
tears! Now, hush, dear, don’t talk. Keep 
right on crying, it’ll do you good.” 

[172] 



Then again, grief, deep, hopeless grief over- 
came her 



Patty In Tears 

Nan’s comforting voice and her tender whim- 
sicality, helped Patty, and she sobbed in Nan’s 
arms, for a time, then, by degrees, her tears 
began to be somewhat checked, and she stopped 
shaking. 

Nan only patted her gently, and crooned com- 
forting little sounds, that soothed the tortured 
nerves by their loving tone. 

At last, Patty stopped crying for the simple 
reason, apparently, that her tears had at last 
become exhausted. 

Helen had brought a fresh relay of handker- 
chiefs, and as Patty half-unconsciously ac- 
cepted one after another, the bed was strewn 
with the moistened squares of linen. 

u Hold on,” warned Bumble, “ if you’re going 
to begin again, go easy on this; it’s the last one 
of mine.” 

“ I’ve plenty,” assured Nan, “ cry away, 
Patty, if you like.” 

Nan’s intuition told her that Patty must have 
her cry out, before any explanation could be 
forthcoming. And it was so. Every time the 
tears ceased and Patty undertook to talk, just 
so often the floods burst forth again. Helen 
grew a bit impatient, and wanted to know what 
[ 173 ] 


Patty-Bride 

it was all about, but Nan gave her a warning 
glance, that curbed her curiosity. 

For Nan knew Patty’s temperament, and 
knew, too, that only some really great matter 
lay at the bottom of this outbreak. 

At last, a point was reached, where it seemed 
that the tears were really exhausted, and, weak 
and white, Patty looked with loving gratitude 
into Nan’s comforting eyes. 

“ Bless you, dear,” Nan said, kissing the 
flushed cheek, — “ here’s a dry pillow, now, rest. 
Pm going to get you a glass of milk and a 
biscuit.” 

When Nan returned, Patty was quiet, and 
very sad-looking. Helen was trying to cheer 
her up by talking nonsense, but Patty paid little 
heed to her chatter. 

Mechanically she took the milk that Nan 
brought, and nibbled at a biscuit. 

“ It’s this, people,” she said, at length, “ you 
might as well know, first as last. Billee has 
thrown me over.” 

Helen stared, aghast, but Nan laughed. 

“ Oh, Patty! ” she cried, “ all that fuss for a 
simple little lovers’ quarrel! Well I suppose 
you are a simple little lover, and I daresay Bill 
has no notion of it all. Whatfs your fancied 
[ 174 ] 


Patty In Tears 

grievance? And, I must admit I’m relieved! 
I feared it was something serious.” 

“And it is!” flashed Patty; “I guess you’ll 
think so when you know. I sent him a val — 
valentine 

“ And that upset the apple-cart? Why, why; 
was it a ‘ comic ’ ? ” 

“ Don’t tease, Nan, it’s fearful. You saw the 
valentine, didn’t you, Bumble? ” 

“ Yes, but I don’t remember anything about 
it. What was it?” 

“ Here it is ! ” and Patty drew from beneath 
a pillow a moist, bedraggled paper, that had 
once been a gay, crisp sheet. 

Nan took it and smoothed it out. She saw a 
blurred picture of two rustic lovers and with 
some difficulty she read the absurd lines 
beneath. 

“ Our love is high as Heaven 

And wide as rolling sea ” 

she read aloud, “ that’s all right, seems to me, 
— Little Billee can’t have thrown you over for 
that sentiment! Now, I’ll read further: 

The vows cannot be riven 
That bind my love and me. 


Patty-Bride 

Orthodox, I’m sure. Not a perfect rhyme, 
perhaps, but that’s not enough to quarrel over! 
Let’s see what comes next: 

But should our pledge be broken 
Or should your love be dead, 

Send back this tender token 
And let us never wed. 

Why, Patty Fairfield, do you mean to say you 
sent this ridiculous thing to your Little Billee ! 
I don’t wonder he sent it back! It’s silly be- 
yond words ! Why did you send such a 
horror? ” 

“ I dunno,” said Patty, a little shame-facedly, 
“ mostly because Lieutenant Herron dared me 
to, and I never will be dared. But, oh, Nan, 
I don’t care if it is a foolish valentine, he did 
send it back, — and, don’t you see, it says, 
‘ Send back this tender token, and let us never 
wed,’ — and he did send it back! ” 

Patty’s eyes were large and scared-looking, 
and, though she didn’t cry now, she looked as 
if she were about ready to. 

“ But ” Nan looked bewildered, — “ I 

don’t understand ” 

“I do!” cried Helen, “ and it’s awful! I 
don’t wonder you’re upset, Patty 1 But, hold 
[176] 


Patty In Tears 

on, maybe somebody else got it and sent it 
back.” 

“ No,” and Patty forlornly showed the en- 
velope. “ See, it’s his writing, mailed in 
Washington, yesterday — oh, — how could he? 
Why should he?” 

“Patty Fairfield, behave yourself!” Nan 
gave her a little shake; “ do you mean to tell 
me Bill Farnsworth means he returns your 
valentine — your love-token ! ” 

“ There it is ! That’s the one I sent him, and 
it says to return it if his love is dead — and, 
he’s returned it ! And that horrid Herron told 
me about a — a b-black-eyed b-beauty ” 

“ Nonsense, Patty ! be sensible ! It can’t 
be ” 

“Very well, how do you explain it? Why 
should I send that thing to him a few days ago, 
and get it back today? Why would he return 
it — there’s no mistaking his writing, look at 
it — unless he meant me to take it as it’s printed 
there ! He has been bewitched by that b-black- 
eyed ” 

“Hush, Patty! Don’t talk such absolute 
rubbish! I know Bill Farnsworth, and I 
know ” 

“ You don’t know the girl »” 

[177] 


Patty-Bride 

“ Jealous ! Fie, Patty, for shame ! ” 

“ But, Nan,” interposed Bumble, “ as Patty 
says, what does it mean? I wouldn’t doubt 
Little Billee’s faith and loyalty either, only, in 
the face of this thing, what can we think? ” 

“I’ll never believe Bill meant that! He’s 
teasing you ” 

“ A pretty way to tease ! ” Patty was angry 
now. “ And you know he isn’t a tease. He 
never plays jokes like Kit Cameron, or Chick 
Channing might. No, Nan, he has been 
bowled over by a Washington girl and he wants 
to get rid of me ! ” 

“ Patty,” and Nan spoke very seriously, “ it 
isn’t right for you so to doubt the man you’ve 
promised to marry. I can’t, I won’t believe 
that he means this as you take it! ” 

“ How else can he mean it? If you’ll give me 
a rational explanation of what he does mean, 
I’ll be only too glad. I’ve thought and 
thought, and I can’t imagine any meaning but 
the actual fact that the printed words say to 
send the valentine back if his love is dead, — 
and he did send it back! Now, for your 
explanation ! ” 

“ I don’t know, Patty. I confess I don’t. It 
isn’t like him to do it to tease you.” 

[ 17 . 8 ] 


Patty In Tears 

“Of course, it isn’t! He’d never do such a 
cruel, heartless thing as that, — if he still loved 
me. So, he has done the cruel thing, — and it’s 
because he doesn’t love me ! ” 

“ What are you going to do? ” asked Helen, 
breaking a long silence. 

“ There’s nothing to do,” replied Patty, hope- 
lessly. “ I can’t write and beg him to take me 
back. I have some pride! Nor can I ask 
what I’ve done to forfeit his regard. For I 
know I haven’t done anything.” 

“ You’ve flirted with Phil Van Reypen,” said 
Helen, accusingly. 

“I haven’t!” flared Patty. “On the con- 
trary, I’ve been very careful not to ! He’s 
flirted with me, if you like, but I’ve not encour- 
aged him. You know I haven’t, Nan.” 

“ Not intentionally, dear, but you have been 
with him a great deal of late, — and Little Billee 
is of a jealous nature.” 

“ No, it isn’t that,” and Patty sighed, for- 
lornly; “I only wish it were! Then I could 
ask his pardon and make up and all that. No, 
my Billee has found somebody he likes 
better’n me. I’m Leah, the Forsaken, — 
after all ! ” 

“ Leah, nothing! ” exclaimed Helen. “ Patty, 

[179] 


Patty-Bride 

if you can’t cut out a little black-eyed beauty, 
you’re no good ! Don’t submit so tamely ! Go 
to Washington, — hunt up the horrid little 
thing, and see what she’s like ! Then, I’ll back 
your beauty against her, any day ! ” 

“ Oh, hush up, Bumble ! Do you suppose I’d 
stoop to get back a man who has thrown me 
over ! You must be crazy ! I love Bill Farns- 
worth, — I adore him, and I can never love any- 
body else; but I’ll never raise a finger to 
whistle him back! I’m not that sort of a girl! 
I shall never write him again, or refer to this 
miserable business in any way. I’m glad Mr. 
Herron gave me the hint, or I might have made 
a fool of myself; now, I won’t! ” 

Nan was re-reading the unlucky missive. 

“ It’s very strange,” was her comment. “ I 
can’t understand it. There is no mistaking his 
handwriting; there’s no mistaking the words of 
that silly verse ! But I don’t like it, Patty. 
I’m surprised at Bill. If he had ceased to love 
you, why not tell you so, like a gentleman? 

You know, I always said ” 

“Stop, Nan!” and Patty’s voice was tense, 
while red spots burned on her cheeks, “ don’t 
you dare cast any reflection on him! My 
Billee is all right ! He is a gentleman ! I laid 
[180] 


Patty In Tears 

myself open to this treatment and I deserved 
all I’ve got. It was bad taste to say the least, 
for me to send that thing! I never should have 
done it, but to get more money for the com- 
mittee. I was thoughtless, careless, and fool- 
ishly unwilling to let Mr. Herron think I didn’t 
dare send it. He said ‘ you don’t dare take the 
chance ! ’ meaning that I might get back — just 
what I did get back! But I was so sure of 
Bill’s love, so confident of his faith and loyalty, 
that I never dreamed there was a chance of Mr. 
Herron’s being right! ” 

“He isn’t right! ” cried Helen. “I believe 
there’s a mistake somewhere ! ” 

“Just where?” asked Patty, listlessly. “If 
you can invent or imagine something that would 
explain his returning that horrid old thing, tell 
me ! I’ll be glad to know it! ” 

But Helen couldn’t think of any plausible or 
even possible explanation or excuse for the re- 
turn of the valentine. 

For Farnsworth was not a practical joker, and 
indeed, few lovers could have been capable of 
such a jest as that! 

The case seemed to be at a deadlock. It was 
incredible that Little Billee should have sent 
back the valentine, yet, there it was ! And in- 
C 1 8 1 ] 


Patty-Bride 

dubitably from him. There was no possibility 
that any one else had written Patty’s address on 
the big envelope. Bill’s large, well-formed 
chirography was characteristic and unmis- 
takable. 

“ There’s another thing,” confessed Patty, 
“ Bill thinks I opened a letter that he sent me, 
sealed. And I didn’t. Maybe that made him 
stop loving me.” 

The flower-face was so pathetic in its tragic 
grief, that Nan waxed wroth again. 

“ Patty,” she said, “ if Bill Farnsworth has 
really tossed you off like a discarded glove, I 
think Fred Fairfield will reckon with him! It’s 
outrageous, — that’s what it is ! ” 

“ Oh, no, Nan; don’t let Father do anything 
sensational! I don’t want a man who doesn’t 
want me ! I assure you I don’t ! I’m no meek 
Griselda ” 

“ She was the patient one,” put in Helen. 

“ Well, I’m not patient, either ! I’m — oh, I’m 
just miserable ! I wish you would both clear 
out, and let me alone ! ” 

“ Well, we won’t,” said Nan, determinedly. 
“ But, I’ll tell you what we are going to do. 
You dress yourself all up and we’ll all go down 
town and lunch at the gayest and giddiest place 
[182] 


Patty In Tears 

we can find, and then we’ll go to a foolish 
matinee,^ — the most hilarious one there is on the 
boards, — and then, we’ll get a new start, and 
when we come home we can talk this over with 
your father, and see what’s what in the Fair- 
field household ! ” 

Patty demurred, saying she didn’t want to go, 
but Nan was inexorable, and at last Patty 
yielded. But only on the condition that they 
would give her half an hour alone first, to 
think things out. 

This was granted, and Patty was left alone 
and undisturbed for the stipulated time. 

When Nan came again to the room, she found 
Patty not yet dressing, but looking far more 
cheerful. 

“ I’ve thinked it out,” she greeted Nan; “ and 
here’s the result. I’m going to keep faith in my 
Little Billee, until he tells me with his own lips 
that he’s tired of me, and loves another girl. 
I can’t see any way to hope this isn’t so, but 
I’m going to keep my faith, till I know more, 
— anyway. Because, Nan,” her voice fell to a 
whisper, “if I don’t, I’ll go crazy! When I 
remember all he has said to me, — all his faith 
in me, all his protestations of undying, unfail- 
ing love, I can’t believe it’s all swept away by 

[183] 


Patty-Bride 

some new face ! Think how long Bill has cared 
for me ” 

“ That’s right, Patty, look at it like that. It’s 
a whole lot better.” 

As a matter of fact, Nan, too, had thought it 
over very seriously, and she could see no ex- 
planation but Bill Farnsworth’s deep perfidy. 
She could conceive of no theory that would fit 
the facts, save the hint that Herron had 
dropped, that Bill had been enslaved by a 
sparkling little brunette, full of the Southern 
charm and fascination. 

It was not like Farnsworth, but Nan realised 
that men are not always masters of their 
fates. 

She carried out her plan, and took the two 
girls to luncheon and then to the theatre, and 
she was glad to see that Patty’s poise had re- 
turned to her, and though not exactly cheerful, 
she was at least, calm and composed. 

Whether this was due to the gay entertain- 
ment, or to her avowed faith in her recreant 
lover, Nan didn’t know. But she was glad that 
Patty was outwardly pleasant and placid, what- 
ever might be the turmoil in her heart. 

They returned home about six o’clock, and 
as they entered, Jane, the housemaid, told Patty 
[184] 


Patty In Tears 

there had been a long-distance telephone call 
for her, during the afternoon. 

“ And whoever it was,” Jane said, “ promised 
to call you again later, — at half-past six.” 

“ All right,” said Patty, her heart bounding 
with hope that the call might be from Wash- 
ington. But it was improbable, for owing to 
the difficulties and delays in getting a good con- 
nection, Bill rarely could take time for this 
method of communication. 

Still outwardly serene, she went to her room 
and took off her wraps, and then returned to 
the library to await the expected call. 

“ Of course, it will be Bill,” said Helen, 
comfortingly. 

“ Of course it won’t,” Patty returned, drearily, 
and then she waited. 


[185] 


CHAPTER XII 


LENA AND BILL 

T O get the right view of certain matters, 
let us go back a few days, and transport 
ourselves to Washington. 

On the thirteenth of February, Captain Farns- 
worth was busily engaged at his desk work, 
when Lena Richards came flying in at his door- 
way. 

“Don’t scold!” she cried, by way of fore- 
stalling his objections to her presence; “ I must 
talk to somebody, and it might as well be you! ” 
“ It might as well be the President of the 
United States, and all his Cabinet, as far as 
I’m concerned,” and Farnsworth scowled at 
her, “ but I’d rather you’d choose anybody than 
my unworthy self! What shall I do with you, 
Lena? You’re a little nuisance! Must I lock 
and bar the door to keep you out? ” 

“ Now, now, don’t be cross to a poor little 
lonesome girlie, what hasn’t got anybody to 
consult. Lemme ask you a few questions, do ! ” 
[ 1 86 ] 


Lena and Bill 


Lena was a wheedlesome creature, and quite 
in the habit of having her own way. She 
laughed at Bill’s frown and as she plumped 
herself down in an armchair, she spread out 
on Farnsworth’s desk a number of gay 
valentines. 

“ This,” she began, “ is for Dick Selden. 
Isn’t it a dandy ! And this one is for my own 
Daddy. Won’t he be surprised to get one?” 

Lena chuckled happily, and looked up into 
Bill’s face for a show of approval. 

She seemed only a child; her sixteen years sat 
lightly on her slim little shoulders, and her 
dark, winsome face was lighted with such a 
glow of happy anticipation, that good-natured 
Farnsworth couldn’t bear to speak shortly to 
her. 

“ All right, Baby,” he said, good-humouredly, 
“ show me your valentines, and get it over with. 
Which one is for me? ” 

“ Oh, that I haven’t here ! Of course I 
wouldn’t show you that one ! ” A merry laugh 
rippled from the rosy lips. “ And you’ll send 
me one, won’t you, Captain? ” 

“ Why, I hadn’t thought of doing so. In 
fact, I hadn’t thought of sending any.” 

“What! Not to your sweetheart? Not to 

[187] 


Patty-Bride 

that lovely angel-faced girl whose pictures are 
all about here? I’m ashamed of you! What 
will she think? ” 

Farnsworth suddenly realised his defection. 
“ But,” he said, “ she’ll forgive me. Patty will 
understand. She knows I’m terribly busy — 
more than busy, — I’m all in a moil, and work- 
ing night and day to straighten it out ” 

“ But, Captain ! That isn’t enough to excuse 
not sending a valentine to the girl of your 
heart! Wheel If I were engaged to a man, 
and if he didn’t send me a valentine ! I’d break 
that engagement so quick he wouldn’t know 
what hit him! Fie, fie, Captain! You’re a 
peach of a lover, you are ! ” 

Lena had risen and was dancing about the 
room. A restless elf, she rarely sat still long, 
and loved to fly about, looking at things here 
and there, poking and prying curiously into 
books or papers, and really bothering the life 
out of Farnsworth. Many times he had con- 
cluded to move to other quarters, where he 
might be free from her interruptions, but this 
house suited him so well otherwise, and, too, 
he was so busy, he disliked to take the necessary 
time to make the change. 

But Lena’s accusation gave his big, true heart 

[ 1 8 8 ] 


Lena and Bill 


a thrill. Was he really negligent of Patty? 
His own Posy-face Patty, — whom he loved 
with all his great soul ! He knew he was not a 
society man, not much of an observer of the 
lighter conventions, and he wondered if Patty 
would expect a valentine from him, and be dis- 
appointed at not receiving it. 

“I’ll send her some flowers,” he exclaimed; 
“ I can telegraph a florist in New York and 
have them delivered tomorrow, — that’s the 
day, isn’t it, Lena? ” 

“ Yes; but flowers are so — so impersonal, and 
careless. You ought to send her a real valen- 
tine. Here, you can have one of these.” 

“ Can I? Really! Oh, you dear little girll 
That would help a lot, — for I haven’t time to 
go out to the shops. Let me take your prettiest 
one, and I’ll pay you what it cost, and you can 
buy another.” 

“ All right,” and Lena nodded her pretty 
head. “ That goes! Now, I’ve only one here 
that I want to spare. This one.” 

Lena held up a pretty looking affair. It had 
a picture of an affectionate pair, leaning over 
a rustic stile, and surrounded by hearts and 
darts and Cupids and rose garlands. 

The lines printed inside the leaf, were ; 

[189] 


Patty-Bride 

“ Our love is high as Heaven 
And wide as rolling sea : 

The vows cannot be riven 
That bind my love and me. 

But should our pledge be broken 
Or should your love be dead, 

Send back this tender token 
And let us never wed.” 

Farnsworth looked at it carelessly. “ All 
right,” he said, “ if that’s the only one avail- 
able, I’ll have to take that one. It’s all right, 
isn’t it? ” 

“Yes, it’s a beauty! It cost a dollar, — but 
it’s good work.” 

“ Cheap at the price! ” laughed Farnsworth, 
taking out his pocketbook. “ I don’t care such 
a lot for the sentiment, however. The first 
part is all right, but that second stanza is 
ridiculous ! ” 

“ How, ridiculous? I think it’s lovely! You 
don’t think she’ll send it back, do you? ” 

“ I do not! Our vows cannot be riven, — as 
your poet hath it. But I could have made up 
a better jingle myself! That’s what I ought to 
have done! Made a real valentine for my 
sweetheart! Oh, I wish I weren’t so over- 
[190] 


Lena and Bill 

worked! Well, some day I’ll make up to her 
for this enforced neglect. Now, be off, Lena, 
if you don’t, I’ll pitch you out, — neck and 
crop ! ” 

“Oh, all right, Captain; but I was going to 
say if you’d address your valentine, I’d post it 
along with mine. There’s none too much time, 
you know.” 

“ Thank you, Lena, you’re a good little thing. 
And I’m a bear, — a cross one, sometimes, I 
fear. Will you forgive me, and take my valen- 
tine with yours? ” 

“ ’Course I will. Write the directions.” 

So Farnsworth dashed off Patty’s name and 
address on the big envelope, and Lena ran away 
with it. 

So, you see ! 

Of course, the valentine Bill sent Patty was 
the counterpart of the one she sent him, and 
when you know all, you’ll find out that this 
wasn’t such a strange coincidence as it might 
seem. 

And of course, the valentine that Patty re- 
ceived, and that caused her such paroxysms of 
woe, was the one Lena mailed and not the 
return of the one she had sent to Farnsworth. 

It was a fine mixup, and Cupid, the little god 

[191] 


Patty-Bride 

of Love, must have flown madly about in his dis- 
may and despair of ever getting it straightened 
out. 

Now, as is well known, the extra mail oc- 
casioned by the observance of the festival of 
St. Valentine, often causes delays in trans- 
mission. Which explains why both these im- 
portant missives we’re interested in, reached 
their respective destinations a couple of days 
after they were normally due. 

And Patty, as we have seen, was pretty well 
broken up over the receipt of hers ! Naturally, 
she supposed it to be the one she sent, returned 
to her by Farnsworth, and no one could wonder 
that she did think this. 

And so, when Captain Farnsworth found in 
his mail a big square envelope addressed in 
Patty’s well-known, well-loved handwriting, 
he knew it for a valentine before he opened 
it. 

“Bless her heart!” he said to himself. 
“ Dear little girl to send me a valentine ! And 
Pm jolly glad I sent her one! I must thank 
that bothersome little Lena for that ! ” 

He opened the envelope, and to his astonish- 
ment, he drew out what seemed to be the very 
valentine he had sent Patty. 

[192] 


Lena and Bill 


“What!” he cried aloud, a puzzled frown 
coming over his face. 

He looked at it carefully; being exactly the 
same, he naturally thought Patty had returned 
his missive. 

Bewildered, he read the lines, which he had 
scarcely sensed as he hastily glanced them over 
before sending. 

“ Send back this tender token 
And let us never wed.” 

Patty had sent it ! Had returned his “ tender 
token ! ” 

“ Should your love be dead ”- — was he, then, 
to infer that Patty’s love was dead? His 
Patty! Never, in a million years! If ever a 
girl was true blue, that girl was Patty Fairfield, 
— his own Patty Blossom ! There could be no 
two opinions about that ! 

With a sudden jerk, he picked up the tele- 
phone and called for New York. 

It took a long time to get the connection, and 
Captain Farnsworth grew more and more im- 
patient. He did not storm at the operator, 
that was not his way. He patiently waited 
“ just a minute,” till scores of minutes flew by, 
and at last he heard Jane’s voice. 

[193] 


Patty-Bride 

No, Miss Patty was not at home; she would 
be home about six. He would call up again? 
Very well. Good-bye. 

Farnsworth strode up and down his room. It 
was only half-past three, he would call her 
about half-past six. Meantime — he must 
work. But the big man couldn’t settle himself 
to work. The thing was so inexplicable, so 
disturbing. Had Patty meant it for a joke? 
Had she meant to tease him? If so it was a 
bit of bad taste, — and Patty was never guilty 
of bad taste. He couldn’t understand it at 
all. 

He tried to make out his reports, and of 
course, he succeeded in doing so, but it was a 
process greatly interrupted by long periods of 
distracted thought. 

Suppose Patty really meant it! Bosh! 
Meant it! His Patty? Never! He would 
believe anything but that! Could it have been 
a mistake? Did she slip his valentine in an 
envelope which she had addressed to him for 
the purpose of sending another one, — and then 
she had mixed them up? 

No; Patty was never careless, and least of all, 
where he was concerned. She was efficient, 
always, and he had had too much corre- 
t I 94l 


Lena and Bill 


spondence with her not to know how careful 
she was. And then, came to his mind dark 
thoughts of Philip Van Reypen. 

Suppose, — just suppose, Patty had found that 
she preferred Phil to himself, — could she have 
chosen a better or more definite way to tell 
him so? 

“ Should your love be dead! ” 

The big man writhed at the thought. He put 
it out of his mind as unworthy of him and un- 
worthy of his love. And yet, that would ex- 
plain it, — and what else would? What else 
could? But that explanation he refused to 
accept. Patty, his own gentle dear little Patty, 
he wouldn’t be cruel, — but — if she had such a 
thing to tell him, she would choose some way 
that seemed to her the least cruel — he knew 
that ! 

Was she using his means — as he had unwit- 
tingly given her the chance, — oh, why had he 
sent that foolish thing? It was silly, — it was 
absurd, — it was bad taste on his part! 

But Lena had brought it, and it had seemed to 
him silly, but harmless. 

He worried and fretted, fumed and scowled, 
but he could come to no satisfactory conclusion 
or explanation. 


[195] 


Patty-Bride 

He looked at his watch until he almost wore 
it out, only to find each time that but a moment 
or two had elapsed. 

At last he gave up trying to work and went 
out for a walk. 

The clear cold air freshened his brain but his 
heart still had a dull, queer ache in it. He did 
a few errands, forcing himself to concentrate 
his mind in their accomplishment, and at last 
the slow-going clock-hands crawled around to 
half-past six. 

Back in his own rooms, Bill called New York 
again, and asked for Patty’s number. 

The connection was a good one, and he finally 
heard the well-beloved voice say, “ Hello, — 
Little Billee! ” 

“ Oh, Patty ! ” he cried, explosively, “ oh, 
Patty Blossom! When will you marry me? 
What day? Tell me, quick ! ” 

“ Why — why — you sent back ” 

“ No, I didn’t! I didn’t send back anything! 
Never mind that fool valentine business! 
Answer my question, quick! Sometimes they 
snap off the connection, and if they did that I’d 
go wild ! When , Patty ? ” 

“ Why — oh — any time ! Bill, dear,— any 
time ! ” 

[196] 


Lena and Bill 

“Bless you, darling! But what day? what 
date? Tell me.” 

“ Oh,— I can’t ” 

“ Yes, you can ! Now, — and make it soon! ” 

“ Well, say in October ” 

“ October your grandmother ! Say April.” 

“ Oh, nonsense, Bill, I can’t ! And this is no 
thing to decide over a telephone! Y~ou come 
up here ” 

“ I can’t, — not for a few days, and I’ve got 
to know this thing now, — see ? NOW ! ” 

“ Well, say June, then.” 

“ No ! you may say May, but not a day later. 
Say your birthday, that’s in May.” 

“ May’s an unlucky month ” 

“ Not for us, — it won’t be ! On your birth- 
day, then ” 

“ Wait a minute, Bill, what made you return 
my valentine ? ” 

“ What made you return mine? ” 

“I didn’t!” 

“ I didn’t! Oh, Patty, I see it, — it has just 
dawned on me ! We sent duplicates ! Where’d 
you get yours? ” 

“ At a bazaar thing ” 

“Yes, I see; and I got mine from — well, — I 
got it.” 


[ 197 ] 


Patty-Bride 


“Where?” 

“ No matter now. I bought it and paid for 
it; and they chanced to be just alike! Puzzle 
it out at your leisure. Now, Posy-face, Pm 
coming to New York just as soon as I can 
manage it, but it may be a week or so, — I 
hope not, I hope to get there in a couple of 
days, but all I can say is, I’ll do the best I 
can, and you begin to get ready for that May 
affair.” 

“Not May, Bill— June ! ” 

“ Oh, why? why not May? Well, wait till I 
see you, and perhaps I can persuade you to say 
May.” 

“ Well, we’ll see, but I refuse to decide it over 
a telephone! Nobody ever did! ” 

“As if that mattered! Well, you get busy 
with your preparations, and we’ll see ” 

“ Now, you must say good-bye, dear. You 
know this is long distance and not a local 
call!” 

“ I don’t care if it is! Tell me something, — 
Patty!” 

“ Oh, I can’t tell you that at long distance! ” 

“ No; and if I hear your voice without seeing 
you, much longer, I’ll go off my head ! Good- 
bye, then, you darling, Patty Blossom, ” 

[198] 


Lena and Bill 

u Oh, Little Billee! Don’t! Somebody’ll 
hear you ! ” 

“ Let ’em ! Good-bye, dearest, — my Best 
Beloved!” 

“Good-bye!” 

Patty hung up the receiver, and sat very still, 
her eyes shining like two big blue stars. 

She hadn’t quite straightened out the valentine 
mixup in her mind yet, but she didn’t care ! It 
was all right! Little Billee loved her just the 
same as ever, — if not more ! And she had 
promised to marry him in June! It was a 
sudden step. She had realised she was engaged 
to him, — and would marry him some day; but 
she never had, even in her own mind, set any 
definite date. 

“ Well,” said Helen, coming in, “ I discreetly 
stayed out, while you were telephoning, now I 
think I might be told if the call was from 
Washington.” 

“It was!” answered Patty; “it most cer- 
tainly was ! ” 

“ And you’re not crying as torrentially as you 
were? ” 

“ I am not! ” and Patty smiled like a Chessy 
cat. “ In fact, I think I may assure you I shall 
never cry again; at least, not if I continue to 

[199] 


Patty-Bride 

feel as happy as I do at this present speaking.” 

** Good for you, my fairy cousin ! Now, — tell 
old Bumble all about it! ” 

So Patty told her. 

“ Well, of all things ! Do you mean that he, 
just by chance, sent you a valentine exactly like 
the one you sent him? ” 

“Yes; and I suppose they’re all over. You 
know every year there’s some funny or clever 
one that has a vogue everywhere.” 

“ Queer, for him to select that for you ! ” 

“ It was, but I don’t care ! He did, and I did, 
so we can’t blame each other. But I was the 
baddy one, because I distrusted him! He 
hadn’t a doubt of me ! When he, — as he sup- 
posed, — got back the one he sent me, he called 
up and asked me to set our wedding-day ! ” 

“ Did he, really? Oh, Patty, that’s the sort 
of a man to marry! I always did like him, 
now I think he’s just perfectly stunning! ” 

“ I do, too, and I’m ashamed of my doubts 
and fears.” 

“ Oh, that’s all right, he’ll never know.” 

“ Yes, he will, I shall tell him. And maybe 
he’ll be so disappointed in me, and so hurt, 
that ” 

“ That he’ll break off the engagement ! Oh, 
[200] 


Lena and Bill 


yes! Oh, certainly! Patty, you are a goose, 
and always will be ! Never let him know what 
a goose you are, or he sure will throw you 
over ! ” 

“ Oh, I guess not ! ” Patty smiled happily. 

“ Well, when is the day? What did he say? ” 

“ I wouldn’t say positively, — but, oh, Bumble, 
he’s so impatient! ” 

“ Of course he is ! Any real lover would be, 
and especially any one who is expecting to 
marry Patty Fairfield! ” 


[ 201 ] 


CHAPTER XIII 


AN IMPORTANT DOCUMENT 

P ATTY was walking up and down the 
library, waiting for Little Billee. He 
had written and he had telegraphed and 
he had telephoned, and every message changed 
or contradicted the previous one, and Patty was 
nervous. 

She flew from one chair to another, she flung 
herself on the davenport, and back to the 
window-seat; she pulled aside the curtains and 
stared down the street, in fact, she flew around, 
Bumble declared, like a hen with her head off. 

“ Fly, if you like, Patty,” Nan said, kindly; 
“ it may help some.” 

It was three o’clock, and she had expected Bill 
momentarily since one. And at last she saw 
him! The big man came swinging round a 
corner and looking up, saw Patty’s face at the 
window. 

He paused at the sight, and the two stood, 
beaming at each other. 

[202] 


An Important Document 

“Oh, there he is!” Nan cried. “Come, 
Bumble, let’s leave them to themselves for a 
few minutes.” 

“A few hours! ” Patty called out, as the two 
slipped from the room, and then Farnsworth 
came in. 

He found a Patty smiling with joy, not ner- 
vous now, but a lovely shining-eyed girl, with 
welcoming arms outstretched and a soft flush 
tinting her cheeks. 

“Blossom Girl!” he cried, and then he 
clasped her in a big whole-souled embrace, that 
nearly swept her off her feet. 

Close he held her, in a happy silence, then he 
gently lifted the flower-face and kissed the 
quivering lips. 

“ Oh, my dearest, my Best Beloved, I thought 
I’d never get here ! The trains crawled, the 
waits were interminable ! But I’m here, and 
I have you in my arms and nothing else 
matters ! ” 

“ You dear thing! ” Patty said, timidly reach- 
ing up to caress his strong, firm chin with her 
little fingers, “ I’d forgotten you’re so — so 
enormous ! ” 

Farnsworth’s laugh rang out. 

“ There is a lot of me, isn’t there? But I’m 

[203] 


Patty-Bride 

all yours, so you must get used to seeing me 
round. Would you rather I were less enor- 
mous, Patty? ” 

“ No, indeed! I wouldn’t have you changed 
in any respect! You’re just right! But you 
make me feel small ! ” 

“ And you are. My little Patty Petite. I’m 
glad, too, ’cause I like you much better this 
way. You see, I can pick you up and put you 
wherever I please.” 

Farnsworth picked Patty up like a child, and 
placed her on the big davenport, then sat down 
beside her. 

“ Now, I’m happy ! Can we sit here forever, 
— or do we have to be ordinary citizens and 
chum with the family? ” 

“ They’ll let us alone a little while, and then 
I s’pect Nan and Bumble will come in.” 

“ Oh, pshaw ! I hoped I’d have you all to 
myself. Can’t we send them to a matinee, or 
something? ” 

“ It’s too late for that. Here they come now, 
Little Billee! Take your arm away! ” 

“ Shan’t! They know you’re mine, and I’ve 
a perfect right to have my arm round 
you ! ” 

“ But — it isn’t done ! It isn’t conventional! ” 
[204] 


An Important Document 

“I make my own conventions! Hello, 
Bumble! How d’you do, Mrs. Fairfield? 
Excuse this small parcel I hold in my left arm, 
but I can’t let go of it.” 

Farnsworth’s bonny smile was so glad and gay 
that Nan smiled in sympathy. 

“All right,” she said, “ don’t mind us.” 

“We don’t,” said Patty, and she cuddled con- 
tentedly in Big Bill’s outstretched arm, as they 
returned to the sofa. 

“ You see,” Farnsworth explained, “ I’ve had 
the dickens of a time to get away at all, and 
everything interfered and detained me. I can 
only stay a few hours,- ” 

“What!” cried Patty, “you’re going right 
back? Tonight?” 

“Yes, dear; I’m on a big mission, — two big 
missions, in fact, one connected with my country 
and one with my sweetheart. I try not to let 
them get mixed up, — but it’s difficult to give 
undivided attention to either.” 

“ What’d you come for,” demanded Patty, 
“ if you have to go right away again? ” 

“ I came, my child, to make sure you will name 
a certain date, that will be to me, the most 
momentous in American history. I must get 
that settled before I go to work in earnest to 
[205] 


Patty-Bride 

help win the war! And you said you couldn’t 
do it over the telephone.” 

“ This way is nicer,” and Patty nestled against 
his shoulder. 

“ For bare-faced love-makers, you two are 
pretty outspoken,” commented Bumble, smiling 
at them. 

“ ’Scuse ! ” said Patty, without moving. 
“ We wouldn’t under ordinary conditions, but 
realise, please, that our love-making has to be 
done when we can get a chance, — which is awful 
seldom. If you don’t want to play audi- 
ence, — there is another course open to 
you.” 

“No, thank you, I won’t run away!” and 
Bumble settled down to stay. “ I want to 
hear all the plans and arrangements, — and oh, 
Patty, when is the day to be? ” 

“ I’m cornered, I see, and I suppose I may as 
well decide now as any time. Let’s say June — 
about the middle of June. How’s that, Little 
Billee ? ” 

“ Next best to May, if you can’t be ready for 
May. How about the first of June ? ” 

“ No, ’long about the middle or latter part. 
I’ve a heap to do. I can’t get married without 

a lot of embroidered linen things ” 

[206] 


An Important Document 

“ Oh, have a shower! ” cried Bumble. 

“Nonsense! I don’t want a shower! I 
mean really lovely things, — all hand-embroid- 
ered, — oh, Little Billee, shall we live in a 
house? ” 

“ Why, I had supposed so, — but if you prefer 
a tree ” 

“No; I mean a house or an apartment, or 
what? ” 

“Goodness, Agnes! I don’t know. Live 
wherever you like, — and I’ll live there too.” 

“ In Washington? ” 

“ That I don’t know,” and Farnsworth looked 
suddenly serious. “ It all depends on the war 
developments, Patty. I may have to go to 
France.” 

“ All right,— I’ll go along.” 

“ But perhaps you can’t, — it will be on a spe- 
cial mission ” 

Tears came to Patty’s eyes. “ Whatever your 
country calls you to do, you must do, of course,” 
she said, slowly, “ but if you go to France and 
leave me here — I’ll go with you, — so there, 
now! ” 

“ It may not come to that,” Farnsworth 
sighed a little wearily; “ and we won’t cross the 
bridge until we come to it. You go ahead as 
[207] 


Patty-Bride 

fast as you can, embroidering your tidies and 
tablespreads, and' ” 

“ Oh, I shan’t embroider them. I’ll have 
them done, — in the trousseau shops, — oh, they 
will be lovely! ” 

“ You goose ! ” cried Bumble. “ I believe you 
think more of your trousseau than of your 
husband! ” 

Patty made no answer to this, save a flashing 
glance at Farnsworth, which seemed to assure 
him that Bumble’s notion was a mistaken one. 

“ Tell us about the valentines,” Nan said, 
“ however did you come to get one just like 
Patty’s?” 

“ Wasn’t it queer? ” assented Bill. “ And, if 
you ask me, I think they were silly, stupid 
things, anyway! How’d you come to get it, 
Patty?” 

“ On a dare,” Patty laughed. “ Lieutenant 
Herron ” 

“Who’s he?” 

“ One of my new army friends. Oh, Little 
Billee, I’ve so much to tell you, and no time to 
tell it in ! ” 

“ That’s so ! and first of all, I must ask you 
if you opened a sealed note before I told you 
you might.” 


An Important Document 

“ No; I didn’t.” Patty’s blue eyes met Farns- 
worth’s blue ones with a gaze of unmistakable 
honesty. 

“ I knew you didn’t, of course,” he said, per- 
plexedly, “ but the trouble is, who did? Some- 
body must have done so, to know that I thought 
of coming up to New York. It was important 
that it shouldn’t be known.” 

“ But who could have done it? ” 

“ Where was the letter? ” 

“ In the pocket of my fur stole : that has a 
most secure clasp-button, and I’m sure it wasn’t 
meddled with.” 

“ Patty! ” cried Bumble, “ you know that spy 
thing, who dressed up as a woman ” 

“ What! ” exclaimed Farnsworth. 

Eagerly Patty and Bumble together told the 
story of the missing chaperon and the mas- 
querading pastry-cook. 

Farnsworth looked very grave. 

“ A spy, undoubtedly,” he said; “ in Herron’s 
employ.” 

“ Oh, not Lieutenant Herron ! Why, he’s 
one of our own soldiers ! ” 

“ Forget it, Patty. And you, too, Helen. 
Never mention the subject to any human being. 
Much depends on that I can trust you? ” 
[209] 


Patty-Bride 

“ Oh, yes ! ” vowed both girls. 

“Did I do wrong, dear?” asked Patty, 
anxiously. 

“ Not knowingly, sweetheart; but you must be 
very careful. I use you as my little helper, but 
if it is known, I must not do it. Now, Patty, 
here is another paper, that I want to leave in 
your care for a couple of days. Hide it as 
carefully as you can, and when I tell you to, 
then, mail it.” 

“ I will,” and Patty took the letter. “ I’ll put 
it in this desk, now, — see, it has a secret com- 
partment.” 

Patty went to an antique mahogany desk, and 
in sight of them all, she secreted the important 
document. 

“ That’s probably all right,” and Farnsworth 
sighed with relief. “ I was a bit fidgetty about 
having it in my pockets any longer. Now, 
don’t touch that desk, or open the secret drawer 
until I tell you to post the packet. Somebody 
might see you poking about.” 

“ But there are no spies here, Billee.” 

“ They are everywhere. No place is surely 
safe from them. Don’t worry, or even think 
about them. But just obey orders, unquestion- 
ingly, like the loyal little patriot you are ! ” 
[210] 


An Important Document 

“ All right; just as you say,” and Patty smiled 
at her commander. 

“ Why, look who’s here ! ” Bumble cried, and 
Fred Fairfield came in. 

“ Hello, Farnsworth! Well, but I’m glad to 
see you! You’re looking fine, barring a deep 
line of care and responsibility that has fur- 
rowed itself into your brow.” 

“ Oh, I’m all right, especially now that I’m 
back home.” 

“ Home it is, my boy. You’re a pretty big 
order for a son, but I’m all ready to adopt 
you.” 

“ All right, Dad, give me fatherly advice 
when needed.” 

And then to Farnsworth’s deep regret, Philip 
Van Reypen came to call. 

The two men met courteously and were out- 
wardly calm, but in each heart rankled a dis- 
taste of the other. 

Perhaps it was absurd, but Farnsworth was 
jealous of Philip, and though confident of 
Patty’s love and loyalty, he hated to think of 
Van Reypen in New York while he must be 
in Washington. 

As to Philip, he was frankly envious of Little 
Billee, and moreover, was determined to cut 
[2U] 


Patty-Bride 

him out and regain Patty for himself if it could 
possibly be done. Phil was not dishonourable, 
— at least, he didn’t think he was, — for he 
deemed all fair in love and war. 

But Captain Farnsworth was very glad when 
he learned that Van Reypen must of necessity 
be in Wilmington almost all the time. To be 
sure, his leave of absence seemed to occur very 
often, but after all he didn’t really live in New 
York now, and that cheered Little Billee’s 
heart. 

“ When will you fly with me? ” Van Reypen 
' asked of Patty, and he purposely gave his ques- 
tion a sentimental flavour that startled Farns- 
worth by its implication. 

“ Not till you’re an experienced airman,” re- 
turned Patty, gaily, and then Bill realised what 
was meant. 

“Patty!” he said, severely, “you are never 
to go in an aeroplane, — I forbid it ! ” 

He spoke far more sternly, even harshly than 
he meant to, for the bare idea of her so risking 
her life appalled him, and with the added awful- 
ness of her going up with Van Reypen, Little 
Billee felt indeed aghast. 

“ No? ” said Patty, pouting a little; “ oh, but 
I want to ! ” 


[212] 


An Important Document 

“ Never! Understand? It is an order! ” 

The positiveness of Farnsworth’s commands 
was quite softened by the sweetness of his tone, 
but Patty was perverse, and she replied, “ I 
shan’t promise.” 

“ Oh, yes, you will, dear, — -you’ll promise be- 
cause I ask it.” 

Farnsworth stepped nearer to her, and with 
one hand raised her chin until her gaze met his. 
His strong, loving glance conquered, and won 
by the deep love she saw in his eyes, Patty said, 
simply, “ I promise.” 

“ That’s all right,” and Bill smiled at her, 
needing no reiteration or reassurance. Her 
simple word was sufficient. 

Van Reypen said nothing, but he gave Patty 
a quizzical glance. 

“ Yes, indeed,” she replied to his insinuation. 
“ I love to be bossed ! ” 

“ Oh, Patty, don’t lose your wilfulness, — 
that’s one of your charms.” 

“ Not any more. You don’t know, Phil, how 
an engaged girl loves to be told what she may 
and what she may not do. And, incidentally, 
I’ve no desire to break my neck before my wed- 
ding-day! ” 


[213] 


Patty-Bride 

“ Oh, don’t think I’d take you flying until I 
was sure of my own powers.” 

“ Powers are not all of it,” Farnsworth said, 
“ accidents are unavoidable, even in the best 
regulated airships. But that matter is settled. 
How do you like the air game, Phil? ” 

“Top notch! I was cut out for an aviator, 
— I feel it. There’s no sport like it ! Though 
I don’t take it exactly as a sport. I’m making 
a very serious business of it.” 

“ Good for you ! That’s the way to talk. 
Now, people and friends, I’m going to ask you 
all to go away from this place and let me have 
a little time alone with Patty, or else, stay here 
and let us go somewhere else.” 

Patty gasped at this high-handed suggestion, 
but was truly pleased, for she hated to have 
Farnsworth and Van Reypen together, and too, 
she wanted to see Little Billee alone. 

Nan, always helpful, hustled them all out to 
another room, and left the lovers in possession 
of the library. 

“ He is splendid,” said Bumble as they went 
to the family sitting-room. “ Doesn’t he look 
fine in uniform ! ” 

“ Great,” agreed Van Reypen, who was not 
at all petty, u he’s a fine old chap. And, after 

[214] 


An Important Document 

yours truly, I don’t know any one more worthy 
of our Patty.” 

“ You’re both so splendid,” said Bumble, with 
a flattering glance, “ I should think Patty would 
feel ‘ how happy could I be with either, were 
t’other dear charmer away.’ ” 

“ That’s what I hope,” declared Phil, who 
made no secret of his wishes regarding Patty. 

“ But you’re both away most of the time. 
I’m going away too, tomorrow.” 

“Home?” 

“ Oh, no. To visit a friend in East Ninety- 
fifth Street. She invited me for a week, but 
I’m only going to stay a couple of days, — unless 
I like it very much, then I might stay longer.” 

“Can’t I take you there? When are you 
going? ” 

“ Oh, no, thank you. Nan will send me, of 
course. I go tomorrow afternoon. Patty 
won’t miss me, she’s so busy ordering linen.” 

“ How she does love pretty things.” 

“ Oh, she does ! She’s just the one to get 
married, if only to get up a trousseau. Me, 
when I’m married, I won’t know whether I’ve 
any worldly goods or not ! ” 

“ You never do, anyhow, do you? ” said Nan, 
laughing. 


[215] 


Patty-Bride 

Meantime, Patty was discussing great and im- 
portant matters with Farnsworth. 

“ I leave all plans and arrangements to you,” 
he was saying; “I believe that’s the bride’s 
prerogative anyhow, but I’m really ignorant of 
such matters. Personally, I’d rather just be 
married to you, and run away from every- 
body, — without any bells on, — but it’s as you 
say.” 

“ Nay, nay, Pauline ! Little Patty has to have 
a wedding, as is a wedding! Not an awful big 
crowd and not a gorgeous pageant, but a nice 
sweet pretty home wedding, with lots of white 
satin ribbons ! ” 

“ Not tied onto trunks and things ! ” 

“Oh, no! Of course, not that! I mean 
aisles of it, and white stanchions ” 

“ What in the world are those? ” 

“ Florists’ posts to hold up the garlands that 
make the aisle through which your bride shall 
come to you ! ” 

“Patty Blossom! When you say those 
things you do look so sweet ! How can I wait 
till June?” 

“ Oh, the time will just fly ! By the way, dear, 
why can’t I go up in a flying machine? Every- 
body does.” 


[216] 


An Important Document 

“ Yes, and the majority of them come down 
with broken bones.” 

“ Oh, not the majority! ” 

“ Well, a large minority, then. But, that 
matter is settled, dearest, once for all. You’re 
not to do it, see? ” 

“ Why? ” 

“ Because I forbid it. Is that enough? ” 
“No; that isn’t quite enough! Here’s the 
real reason why ! ” Patty smiled and whis- 
pered, “ Because I love you ! ” 

“ Patty Precious ! How happy you make me 
when you’re sweet and docile like that. Of 
course you know it’s my love for you that makes 
me forbid your risking your life.” 

“ I know it. Little Billee, wasn’t it funny 
about those valentines?” 

“ Indeed it was. What did you mean by a 
dare?” 

“Just that! Lieutenant Herron said I 
wouldn’t dare send it to you, lest you send it 
back! And I knew you wouldn’t, and so I 

dared! And then ” 

“ And then you thought I did! Oh, you dear 
little goose ! ” 

“ I couldn’t help thinking so at first. How 
did you happen to get the one you sent? ” 
[217] 


Patty-Bride 

“ Why, little Lena, — the youngster where I 
live, ” 

“ Oh, is she a little black-haired beauty? ” 

“A little black-haired witch! Yes, she’s a 
good-looking kiddy ” 

“How old?” 

“ Sixteen, I believe. What, jealous ! ” 

“ N-no ; but you don’t like her much, do you ? ” 

“ She’s a little nuisance ! I’d fly the coop, 
only I’m well fixed there and it’s a bother to 
move.” 

“ Did she tell you to send it to me? ” 

“ No, not exactly. She said I ought to send 
you a valentine, and, honestly, Patty, I own up 
I hadn’t thought of it! So, as she had some 
extra ones I took one and paid her for it. 
That’s all.” 

“ Sort of funny, — and funny they should be 
alike. You see, Mr. Herron practically forced 
me to send mine, and this little girl made you 
send yours ! ” 

“Well, there’s no harm done, is there? It 
didn’t bother me when I received what might 
seem to be a ‘ returned token.’ For I trust you, 
Patty, my Blessing, and nothing could ever 
make me believe you false or fickle unless you 
told me so yourself. So never fear what they 
[218], 


An Important Document 

call ‘ misunderstandings ’ for I shall come 
straight to you and make you understand! 
That’s the meaning, to my mind, of our faith 
and trust.” 

“ My dear big Little Billee ! That’s the 
meaning to my mind, too. And to my heart. 

My whole love is yours ” 

“ Till death do us part,” Farnsworth added, 
reverently. 


[219] 


CHAPTER XIV 


Helen’s adventure 

H, Nan, do let me have my own way 
for once ! ” 



Bumble’s flashing brown eyes looked 
troubled, but determined. 

“ I know my way perfectly,” she went on. 
“ The car can leave me at the concert and then 
take you on to your meeting. Then after the 
concert, I can hop into a taxicab and go right 
up to Millicent’s without a bit of trouble ! ” 

“ You could, of course, Helen, if you were 
like other people. But you’re so rattle-pated, 
you’d just as likely go down town as up, — and 
find yourself at the Battery.” 

“ No, I won’t, Nan, honest, I won’t. I’ve 
only to tell the driver 783 East Ninety-fifth 
Street, and he’ll take me right there.” 

“ You’ll forget the number.” 

“ I’ll write it on a card, and keep it in my 
bag. I’m not an infant, you know.” 


“ Well, all right, dear, if you think you won’t 
[220] 


Helen’s Adventure 

get lost. Telephone me as soon as you’re 
safely at your friend’s, won’t you? ” 
u Yes, I will. What time will you get home, 
yourself? ” 

“ About six. But you see, Patty wants the car 
at five ” 

“ Oh, I know, — I know all about it, and that’s 
why I insist on carrying out my own plans.” 

“ You’ve sent your suitcase, haven’t you? ” 

“ Yes, that was part of my well-laid plan. 
You must admit, Nan, I’ve looked out for 
everything.” 

“ Yes, you have, Helen; and I consent, for I 
can’t see any way out of it. You see Patty is 

on the reception committee, and she must ” 

But Helen had flown off to get ready, so Nan 
turned to her own affairs. 

“ Good-bye, Patsy Poppet,” Bumble cried, a 
little later, as in coat and furs she looked in at 
Patty’s door. 

“ How sweet you look, angel child. Who sent 

you the violets ” 

“ Philip.” 

“ He did ! And none to me ? ” 

“ He said you had ordered him not to.” 

“ So I have; oh, me, I can’t have flowers from 
admiring swains any more, at all, at all! ” 

[ 221 ] 


Patty-Bride 

“ Don’t pretend you’re sorry, for I know 
better. You haven’t an idea in your head that 
isn’t simply and solely about Bill Farnsworth ! ” 

“Dear, dear! As bad as that?” Patty 
smiled a little absently, as she went on writing 
a letter. 

“ Yes, and you’re writing to him now, — I 
know by the lovesick way you hold your head 
on one side ! And, moreover, my young friend, 
if you don’t get dressed pretty soon, you’ll be 
late for your party. It’s ’most four o’clock.” 

“ Good gracious, Bumble ! I thought your 
concert began at three.” 

“ It does, — but was I ever at the beginning of 
anything? ” 

Helen calmly accepted her own chronic tardi- 
ness as a foregone conclusion, and with a waved 
farewell, she trotted off. 

She was going to her friend’s house for the 
night, but she greatly desired to go to a concert 
first, and owing to the different engagements of 
Patty and Nan, it was inconvenient for the 
Fairfield car to call for her after the per- 
formance. 

But she was more than willing to go to her 
friend’s in a cab by herself, and she had the 
address safely tucked away in her purse. 

[ 222 ] 


Helen’s Adventure 

The concert was enthralling to Helen’s musiq- 
loving soul, and she deeply regretted that her 
late coming had lost her so much enjoy- 
ment. 

When it was over, she drifted slowly out with 
the rest of the crowding audience, and reached 
the curb, still quivering with the exaltation that 
line music always aroused in her. 

In a sort of absent-minded way, she suddenly 
realised that it was snowing hard, — very hard, 
indeed. A young but vigorous blizzard had 
set in, and though shielded by the marquise, 
Helen found herself well covered with snow- 
flakes. 

She stepped up to the liveried man at the curb 
and said: 

“ Will you please call a taxi for me? ” 

The man looked at her. 

“ You’ll have to wait your turn, Miss, there’s 
twelve ahead of you. This here unexpected 
snowstorm makes cabs in great demand.” 

Helen saw that many others were more or less 
patiently waiting and resigned herself to wait, 
too. 

Her mind turned back to the music, and she 
drew out her programme to regret anew the 
numbers she had missed. 

[223] 


Patty-Bride 

A long time she stood there, studying the 
names of thq performers and their selections, 
— so absorbed that she did not notice the deep- 
ening dusk, the thickening snowflakes and the 
rapidly rising wind. 

“ It’s fierce, Miss,” the starter said to her, at 
last. “ I’m going to get you that cab the very 
minute I can, — but I dunno when ’twill be.” 

“What?” said Bumble, looking up. “Oh, 
yes, — I do want a cab. Why, how it is snow- 
ing! Get one quick, please.” 

“ I say I can’t,” and the man looked honestly 
anxious, for Helen had an irresponsible air and 
the hour was growing late. 

“ Can’t you telephone for your own car, 
Miss,” he said, by way of a hint. 

“No; I can’t, Patty wants it, — I mean,” she 
suddenly realised where she was. “ I mean, the 
others of the family need our car. I must have 
a cab.” 

“ Yes, Miss, I’ll do my best.” 

“There ain’t no use,” the man told her a few 
minutes later. “ I mean there ain’t no telling 
when I can get you a taxi ; but here’s a hansom 
cab, don’t you think now, you’d better take 
this?” 

“ What? A hansom? Oh, I never do.” 

[224] 


Helen’s Adventure 

“ I know, Ma’am, but it’s a chance, and you 
might have to wait a lot longer ” 

“ Oh, all right, perhaps it would be the best 
thing to do.” 

“ And you’re lucky to get me,” observed the 
driver from his high perch, “ there ain’t many 
vacant cabs tonight.” 

The starter put Helen into the little vehicle, 
tucked the robe about her, and closed the doors, 
with a feeling of relief at seeing the young lady 
en route for home. Then, before he had the 
glass lowered he asked for the address. 

“ Oh, yes,” and Helen opened her bag. 
“ Wait a minute.” 

But a hasty and fluttering search failed to 
produce the written paper. 

“I had it,” she murmured; “I must have 
jerked it out with my programme. Won’t you 
look around on the pavement, please? ” 

The man obligingly looked, but the snow had 
fallen so thickly, that there was no sign of the 
lost paper. 

“ Never mind,” Helen said, “ I know the 
number. It’s 783 West Ninety-fifth Street. I 
remember, because it’s the same number as 
some one’s house in Philadelphia.” 

“ You’re sure, Miss? ” 

[225] 


Patty-Bride 

“ Yes, Pm sure. And it’s on the third floor. 
My friend told me so.” 

“ All right,” and the glass slid down, and the 
hansom started uptown. 

The progress was slow, for the street traffic 
was enormous at that hour and greatly impeded 
by the storm beside. 

At last they turned into Central Park, and 
Helen, looking out, thought that now their gait 
would be a little faster. 

But it was decidedly slower, and after a few 
moments the driver opened the little trap in the 
roof, and called down. 

“ Can’t make the Park, Ma’am, — too 
slippery.” 

“What?” asked Helen, not at all compre- 
hending. 

“ I say, the horse can’t go through the Park. 
The ice under the snow is too treacherous, — 
he’ll fall down.” 

“ What are you going to do, then? ” 

“ Gotter go back out again, and get over to 
Broadway.” 

“ Very well, do that.” 

It was all Greek to Helen, for she had no idea 
of the position of the New York streets, and it 
was now so dark that the lights glimmering 
[226] 


Helen’s Adventure 

through the storm only made a more bewilder- 
ing outlook than ever. 

She had no idea where she was, or where she 
was going, but her optimistic nature felt no 
fear, only annoyance at the elements. 

Faster fell the snow, and slower went the 
horse. He stumbled frequently, and almost fell 
several times. 

At last he did fall, and Helen was pitched 
forward against the glass. 

Luckily, it did not break, and as she crouched 
in a heap, the driver reassured her from above. 

“ Sit tight, Miss! We’ll get him up. Don’t 
open the doors ! ” 

Helen was thoroughly scared now, but her 
good sense told her that to obey the driver’s 
advice was the best thing she could do. 

And sure enough, after a time, with the help 
of policemen and others, the horse was some- 
how again on his feet and apparently un- 
injured. 

“ Now we’re off,” the cheery driver called 
down. “ It’s a terrible storm, but I can get you 
there, if we go slowly.” 

“ Go slowly, then,” Helen answered, greatly 
reassured by his honest, kindly accents, “ but do 
get there ! ” 


Patty-Bride 

So they went on, now merely crawling, as the 
poor horse cautiously picked his steps, and 
now stopping altogether, as the traffic forced 
them to. 

Helen’s watch had stopped, because she had 
forgotten to wind it. They passed few pedestal 
clocks, and those she could not see for the whirl- 
ing flakes. She wanted to ask the driver how 
late it was getting, but couldn’t make him 
hear. 

So they kept on, and at last the cab drew up 
to a curb and the driver got down. 

“ Well, Miss,” he said, “ you was lucky to 
have me, — you sure was! For, I see you was 
young and didn’t know New York at all hardly. 
And I’m mighty glad to get you here without 
any broken bones, — I am that ! ” 

Helen appreciated his solicitude for her wel- 
fare, and though she well knew it was, in part, 
a hint for a goodly fee above his regular fare, 
she felt that he deserved it. 

She paid him generously, and bade him good 
night with courteous thanks. 

“ You all right, now? ” he asked, as he looked 
at the brightly-lighted entrance of the apart- 
ment house. 

“ Oh, yes,” said Helen, glancing at the number 
[228] 


Helen’s Adventure 

to be sure it was 783. “ This is Ninety-fifth 

Street, isn’t it? ” 

“ Yes, Ma’am, — good night.” 

“ Good night and thank you.” 

The hansom drove away through the storm 
and as Helen approached the house, the door 
was swung open by a liveried doorman. 

She went in, smiling with gladness to be once 
more indoors amid light and warm surround- 
ings, and going at once to the elevator, she 
said, “ Third floor, please.” 

To the maid who answered her ring at the 
door of the apartment, she nodded pleasantly, 
and said: “ I’m Miss Barlow.” 

Then she looked around for her friend, Milli- 
cent Wheeler. 

But she saw no sign of her, and instead, a 
strange lady came from one of the rooms, and 
stared at Helen. 

“ What is it? ” she said, politely but coldly. 

“ I am Miss Barlow,” repeated Helen, “ to 
see Mrs. Wheeler.” 

“ Mrs. Wheeler? There is no such person in 
this house.” 

“What! Isn’t this 783, Ninety-fifth?” 

“Yes; are you looking for some friend?” 
The voice was kinder now, for Helen’s was an 
[229] 


Patty-Bride 

appealing personality, and she was evidently in 
a quandary, but still the strange hostess did not 
invite her guest to sit down. 

“Yes; oh, what can be the trouble? I’m to 
visit Mrs. Charles Wheeler, and her address is 
this house, — but I’m sure she said third floor.” 

“ There’s no Mrs. Wheeler in this house at 
all, that I know of. You must have the wrong 
number.” 

“ No; I’m sure of the number.” 

“ May I ask your name? ” 

“ I’m Helen Barlow, and I live in Philadel- 
phia. I’m visiting friends in the city, and I’m 
to spend tonight with another friend. Oh, what 
shall I do? ” 

“ I don’t see what you can do, but stay here 
till morning. It’s nearly eight o’clock now, 
and I can’t send any one out in a storm like 
this!” 

“ Nearly eight! Oh, Nan will be crazy! She 
said I’d get lost! ” 

The lady smiled. She was beginning to be- 
lieve Helen’s story, though at first she had felt 
wary. 

“ I am Mrs. Lummis,” she said. “ I live here 
and have lived here a long time. I’m sorry 
for you, and I’ll keep you over night. I won’t 
[230] 


Helen’s Adventure 

say, with pleasure, for as a matter of fact it 
will put me out considerably. But I’ve a little 
too much humanity to turn you out in this 
storm.” 

Helen overlooked the coldness of the cour- 
tesy, in her relief at having found a safe, if not 
very hospitable shelter. 

“ I’m terribly sorry,” she said; “ I hate to put 
anybody out ” 

“ It seems to be a question between putting me 
out, — or, putting you out!” laughed Mrs. 
Lummis, “ and I think it might as well be me. 
Come into my little drawing-room.” 

Helen followed her into a small but prettily 
furnished room and Mrs. Lummis helped her 
take off her wraps. 

“ Now wait a minute, and we’ll ferret out the 
mystery.” 

The hostess took a telephone book from a 
stand. “ What’s the name of the friend you’re 
after?” 

“ Mrs. Wheeler, but she has a private wire. 
You can’t get her number. I had it but I lost 
it, and Central positively refused to tell it 
to me.” 

Again Mrs. Lummis looked a bit suspicious. 
Then, with a whole-souled burst of enthusiasm, 

[231] 


Patty-Bride 

she said, “ I don’t care if your story is fishy, — 
I believe in you, and I won’t ask you any more 
questions.” 

“Oh, you think I’m an impostor!” Helen 
exclaimed, the fact just dawning on her. “ Oh, 
how funny!” 

Her laugh was so honest and so infectious that 
Mrs. Lummis laughed too, and the two became 
instant friends. 

“ But I hate to intrude worse than ever, now,” 
declared Helen. 

“ Oh, never mind. It can’t be helped. You 
can have my room, and I’ll bunk on the daven- 
port. I live alone, and — and I expected a few 
friends this evening ” 

“ Oh, I see. But I’m no spoilsport. Just 
tuck me into bed— oh, I wonder if I couldn’t 

go home ” She ran to the window and 

looked out. “No; it’s a regular blizzard! 
And I must call up Nan! She’ll be fran- 
tic!” 

“Who’s this Nan?” 

Mrs. Lummis was a bit blunt, but she was 
kindly now, and Helen replied, “ Oh, that’s 
where I’m staying. Mrs. Fairfield. I know 
her number, may I call her? ” 

“ You’ll scare the wits out of her, if you tell 

[232] 


Helen’s Adventure 

her you’re in some strange house. But, — would 
she send for you? ” 

“ I don’t know. It’s such a storm ! She’d 
probably say if I’m safe under cover to stay 
here.” 

“ Well, tell her then.” 

“ But I know she’ll worry. She told me, you 
see, I’d get lost, — and I did. I don’t see how 
it happened! ” 

“ I do. You got the wrong house. That’s 
certain. Maybe the wrong number or street — 
oh, say, didn’t you want East Ninety-fifth? ” 

“Why I don’t know! Maybe I did! I 
always forget that East or West matters! ” 

“ Oh, you little goose ! Why did they let you 
out alone? ” 

“ They said I oughtn’t to come alone, — but I 
begged so hard.” 

“ Well, that’s it. You wanted East and you 
got West.” 

“ Can’t I go over East now? ” 

“ Gracious, no! It’s across the Park! ” 

“ No ; I can’t cross the Park. The horse tried, 
and had to come out.” 

“ Well, I see it all, now. And I’ll take care 
of you. Do you want to tell your Fairfield 
friends? ” 


[ 233 ] 


Patty-Bride 

Helen considered. “ I think I’ll tell them 
that I’m all right,” she said at last. “ I mean, 
I won’t tell them what really has happened, — 
but let them think for tonight that I’m at Mrs. 
Wheeler’s.” 

Again that look of suspicion crossed Mrs. 
Lummis’ face. 

“ Now stop ! ” Helen laughed. “ I’m only 
doing it to save them anxiety. Mrs. Fairfield 
will worry all night, and my cousin will nearly 
go crazy.” 

“ Well, do as you like. Then I’ll give you 
some supper and put you to bed, for I’m telling 
you frankly, I’m not asking you to spend the 
evening with me.” 

She bustled away and Helen called up Nan. 

“ For goodness sake, Bumble, why didn’t you 
call sooner? I’ve feared all sorts of things! ” 

“ Nonsense, it’s all right, Nan. I called you 
as soon as I could get around to it. Good 
night, now, I’m in a hurry. Bye-bye ! ” 

Helen hung up the receiver, knowing that 
Nan couldn’t call her back. Then, with her 
usual acceptance of circumstances she shook off 
all worry, and sat down to the pleasant little 
supper Mrs. Lummis offered her. 

And not long after, knowing that her hostess 

[234] 


Helen’s Adventure 

so wished it?, Helen suggested that she should 
retire. 

“ I’m giving you my room,” said Mrs. 
Lummis, “ and I hope you’ll sleep well. You 
must be pretty much exhausted.” 

“ I’m not,” returned Helen, “ I think it’s a 
lark! But don’t fear, I won’t intrude. Give 
me a magazine or book to read, and I’ll dis- 
appear till morning. Lock me in, if you like.” 

“Oh, no,” and the lady laughed; “I’m not 
afraid of your appearing at my party. Good 
night, my dear.” 


[235]' 


CHAPTER XV 


A DESPERATE SITUATION 

L EFT to herself, Bumble thought over the 
situation and laughed. As usual, she had 
got into a scrape, and, also as usual, she 
had fared very luckily. 

Suppose instead of the kind Mrs. Lummis, she 
had found a disagreeable hostess ! But she had 
fallen on her feet, and with her care-free nature 
she bothered herself not a whit about un- 
pleasant possibilities. 

She wandered about the pretty little bedroom, 
feeling very grateful for the safe harbour from 
the stormy night. She read a little, and then 
sat at the well-furnished toilet table to take 
down her hair. 

She could hear guests arriving, and though of 
no mind to eavesdrop, she could not help over- 
hearing their light talk and chatter. 

Helen was not curious by nature, and paid no 
attention to the voices until the name of Lieu- 
tenant Herron was mentioned. 

[236] 


A Desperate Situation 

But then the voices were lowered, and she 
caught no connected sentences. 

A little ashamed of herself for listening at 
all to talk not meant for her ears, Bumble went 
to bed and was soon sound asleep. 

Next morning Mrs. Lummis tapped at the 
door, and entered cheerily. 

“ Sleep well, little girl? Yes? That’s good. 
Now for a bath and some breakfast, then I’m 
going to pack you off. Sorry to speed my part- 
ing guest so hastily, but I have to go out of 
town on an early train.” 

Helen sprang out of bed, truly sorry to incon- 
venience her kind benefactor. 

She made especial haste with her dressing and 
soon the two were seated at a cosy breakfast. 

Mrs. Lummis asked a good many questions 
and out of the kindness of her heart Helen 
replied in full. Suddenly she realised that she 
was divulging secrets. Without thinking, she 
had told the story of the day at the Country 
Club and the masquerading man, who, they 
suspected, had surreptitiously opened the letter 
that was in the pocket of Patty’s fur stole. 

Mrs. Lummis was greatly interested, and 
urged further details, and it was not until 
Bumble had told of Bill’s sometimes giving 

[237] 


Patty-Bride 

Patty important letters to hide, that she be- 
thought herself of her indiscretion. 

She had even told of the secret drawer in the 
old desk, where Patty concealed the papers, and 
the realisation of her mistake almost stunned 
her. 

“Don’t tell, will you?” she pleaded. “I 
oughtn’t to have told that! ” 

Of a sudden Mrs. Lummis’ eyes gleamed 
brightly. 

u It’s all right,” she said, a trifle absent- 
mindedly, and rising abruptly she went to the 
telephone. 

She called a number and presently Helen 
heard her talking in a foreign language. 

Helen could understand no word, but she was 
quick-witted and it seemed to her that Mrs. 
Lummis was divulging important information 
to some one exceedingly interested. 

At last she caught what was, she felt sure, the 
house number of the Fairfield home. 

Frightened and appalled, she sat wondering 
what she must do. 

She had heard more or less $py talk, but she 
knew nothing of such matters definitely. How- ' 
ever she felt she must warn Patty, and tell her 
what she had inadvertently done. The horror 

[238] 


A Desperate Situation 

and regret of her deed was almost swallowed 
up in the necessity for immediate action. 

Helen was at her best in an emergency, and 
her sometimes careless and blundering habits 
didn’t affect her mental efficiency. Her mind 
worked rapidly and even while Mrs. Lummis 
was talking, she was planning a way to cir- 
cumvent her. 

At last the vivacious lady returned to the 
table, with a murmured excuse for her lengthy 
absence. 

“ That’s all right,” Bumble said, smiling, 
“ and I’m going to ask a similar indulgence. 
May I telephone, please, — as I’ve a bother- 
some dressmaker’s engagement that I want to 
break.” 

“ So sorry,” said Mrs. Lummis, looking at her 
shrewdly, “ but the telephone is out of order. 
The storm, you know. Just as I finished talk- 
ing, it went dead, and we can’t use it till it’s 
fixed.” 

Helen knew this for an untruth, and a hastily 
fabricated invention at that. But she saw that 
Mrs. Lummis was not going to let her use the 
telephone, and she felt her fears verified that 
there was some secret work going on. 

Mrs. Lummis then began chatting again, ap- 

j>39l 


Patty-Bride 

parently forgetful of her impending journey, 
and as she adroitly led the talk to war matters 
and around to Captain Farnsworth, Helen grew 
more and more wary of what she said, and also 
more and more determined to speak to Patty 
without delay. 

Breakfast finished, they rose, and went back 
to the bedroom. 

Mrs. Lummis sat in a high-backed chair, and 
Bumble quickly formed her plan. 

She drew from her coat pocket a long chiffon 
veil or scarf, that she carried for cold weather. 

“ You’ve been so kind,” she said, “ I’m going 
to ask your acceptance of this as a little sou- 
venir. It’s a Liberty scarf, — I bought it in 
London, — but it’s been little used.” 

“ Oh, it’s lovely,” said Mrs. Lummis, admir- 
ing the silken fabric. 

“ Yes, and it’s a real Liberty scarf, — to help 
me to my liberty! ” 

As Helen spoke, she quickly threw it around 
Mrs. Lummis’ neck and then around the high 
back of the chair, knotting it tightly. 

“You little villain! ” cried the victim, “take 
that off!” 

“ Not at all,” and Bumble pulled the knot 
tighter. It did not hurt the prisoner, but it 
[240] 


A Desperate Situation 

made it impossible for her to rise from the 
heavy, high-backed chair. 

Helen quickly tied two or three more strong 
knots in the long ends, and the firm silk fabric 
was as secure as a hempen rope would have 
been. 

“Now, I guess that’ll hold you!” she said, 
nodding approval at her work. Then, oblivious 
to the venomous looks of the captive lady, she 
took up the telephone and called Patty. 

“ If you’re innocent of any wrong,” she said 
to Mrs. Lummis, as she waited for her 
response, “ you can have no objection to my 
speaking to my friends. Hello, that you ? ” 

She mentioned no name but recognised Patty’s 
voice. 

“ You know that little matter you put in the 
Winthrop?” 

“ Yes,” said Patty, knowing at once Bumble 
meant the old Governor Winthrop desk. 

“Take it out at once, — now, — and put it 
somewhere else. See? ” 

“ No, I don’t see ” 

“ Well, you don’t have to,” Bumble was ner- 
vously impatient, but kept her voice calm, “ only 
in the name of your country, do as I say I ” 

“ I will.” 


[241] 


Patty-Bride 

“Yes; remove that to a place of safety, — 
absolute safety. Will you? ” 

“ I will, at once.” 

Patty’s clear voice betokened her complete 
comprehension, and Helen said no more. 

Helen drew a sigh of relief as she hung up 
the receiver. 

She looked calmly at Mrs. Lummis. “ I sup- 
pose you’re doing what you consider your 
duty,” she said, “ as I am doing mine. There’s 
no use of our quarrelling, is there? ” 

“ I’ve no desire to quarrel,” the speaker was 
quite evidently holding her temper under con- 
trol with difficulty, “ but I think this a most 
unkind return for the hospitality I’ve shown 
you.” 

“ So do I ! ” and Helen laughed. “ Let’s 
untie the baddy old scarf! ” 

Still smiling, she untied the hard knots 
behind the chair, taking her time for it, 
however. 

“ I may misjudge you entirely,” she went on, 
slowly, “ but sumpum tells me you’ve used my 
information to your own — or to some one’s 
advantage.” 

“ In-deed ! ” said Mrs. Lummis, looking at her 
curiously, u you’re a clever youngster, I see.” 

[242] 



She took up the telephone and called Patty 




































* 

Kg 

















* 























A Desperate Situation 

“ Not so clever as I wish I had been,” and 
Helen freed her captive entirely, and then 
handed her the scarf, with an elaborate bow. 

“ As I said, I beg your acceptance of this 
souvenir of our little visit.” 

“ Thank you, I accept in the spirit it is 
offered.” 

“ And now, if you please, I’ll get off, and you 
may proceed on your interrupted journey.” 

“ Very well, I’ll call a cab for you.” Mrs. 
Lummis sprang toward the telephone with such 
alacrity, that Bumble intercepted her. 

“ No, I’ll call one. I know the number.” 

She did so, and her hostess stood waiting, but 
with a determined expression on her face, that, 
Helen knew, betokened further planning. 

Meantime, Patty, greatly amazed at Bumble’s 
telephone message, was acting upon the in- 
structions. 

She took the packet Farnsworth had confided 
to her care from the old Winthrop desk and 
thought deeply as to where she should hide it. 

She had no idea what danger threatened, but 
she knew from Helen’s voice that it must be 
something grave, and that the packet must be 
safely concealed. 

It was a thick parcel, — an envelope so full of 

[243], 


Patty-Bride 

folded papers that it was too bulky to place 
between the leaves of a book, which was Patty’s 
first impulse. 

She looked thoughtfully about. She mustn’t 
stand holding it! The danger, whatever it 
was, might come at any minute. Helen’s tone 
commanded instant action. 

A photograph album lay on a side table. This 
was not usually in evidence, but Patty and 
Helen had brought it from an old storeroom to 
look at the old-fashioned portraits in it. It 
was a large volume, holding pictures of “ cab- 
inet size.” 

In response to a sudden inspiration, Patty 
opened the album and extracted six of the 
photographs. This left a hollow space quite 
big enough to admit the insertion of the 
envelope. 

She put it in, clasped the big brass fastenings 
of the old plush album, and laid it back on the 
table, with two more books carelessly on top 
of it. 

She heard a ring at the door, and suspecting 
trouble, she quickly tossed the six pictures she 
held in a desk drawer, under some old papers. 
She heard a few words in the hall, and then 
Jane ushered in a man in khaki uniform. 

[ 244 ] 


A Desperate Situation 

“ Good morning,” he said, pleasantly, “ Miss 
Fairfield? ” 

“ Yes,” said Patty, with a courteously inquir- 
ing glance. 

“ Sorry to intrude on your time; won’t detain 
you but a minute. I’m Sergeant Colton, and 
I’m sent by Captain Farnsworth for the packet 
he left with you for me.” 

“ But Captain Farnsworth left no packet with 
me for you,” Patty returned. Her heart was 
beating wildly, lest she commit some indiscre- 
tion, and she prayed that she might do exactly 
right in this emergency. 

“ Of course, not by name.” The man spoke 
low, and glanced about him. “ It’s a secret 
mission. But I’ve credentials and an or- 
der.” 

He drew from his pocket an official-looking 
document, and showed Patty an order for the 
envelope left with her. 

“This isn’t signed by Captain Farnsworth,” 
she said, examining it carefully. 

“ No; he didn’t dare sign it, it’s a diplomatic 
matter. But it is signed, as you see, by Colonel 
Brent, and it is authoritative.” 

“ It would seem so,” — Patty’s voice was calm, 
though her heart and nerves were in commo- 
[ 245 ] 


Patty-Bride 

tion, “ but I have no parcel such as you 
describe.” 

“ Not a parcel, — a packet, — of papers.” 

“ Just what is the difference between a parcel 
and a packet? ” 

Patty smiled at him, for a gleam of threaten- 
ing intent in his eye convinced her it was better 
to temporise. 

“ Don’t trifle, Miss Fairfield, this is your 
country’s business. Pm sent by the adminis- 
tration authorities for the envelope, and it is 
your duty to hand it over, otherwise there may 
be serious* consequences — both to and because 
of you.” 

“ But this order means nothing to me.” 
Patty stared blankly at the signed and stamped 
document, that was so complicated of wording 
and vague of intent. 

“Good for you! I’m glad you’re cautious. 
Now, listen; Captain Farnsworth said you 
might be wary about giving it up, and he told 
me to tell you that he sent you the words 
‘ Apple Blossom ’ as a talisman. He said if I 
told you those words, you would know he sent 
me. I suppose they are code words.” 

Patty stared at the man. It seemed to her 
[246] 


A Desperate Situation 

Bill must have sent him when he gave her such 
a key word as that ! 

And yet, Patty was very wary of possible spies 
or alien influences. Would it not be better to 
withhold a necessary paper, than to give it 
wrongfully? Would it not be better to incur 
Farnsworth’s displeasure for not having done 
his bidding, than to do it if it were not really 
his? And then she remembered Helen’s fran- 
tic message. Surely that meant something! 
Surely it could mean nothing but that the packet 
must be kept from possible predatory hands ! 

She determined, rightly or wrongly, she would 
not believe Farnsworth had sent this man unless 
she had some more indubitable proof. 

She knew that an alien spy in our country’s 
uniform was not an impossibility, and she 
feared to accept this man’s word. 

“ I’m sorry,” she said, “ but I must repeat 
that I have no such packet as you speak of.” 

The untruth of this did not disturb Patty’s 
conscience, for she knew that aside from the 
accepted law that all’s fair in love and war, — 
military secrets must be kept inviolate even at 
the sacrifice of truth. 

M I’m sorry,” the visitor returned, “ that I 
must disbelieve that. Moreover, I regret to 
[2471 


Patty-Bride 

add, I must do my best to find the packet. Cap- 
tain Farnsworth warned me that you might 
prove thus obdurate, and that in that case, I 
must seek the papers for myself. He even went 
so far as to tell me that they were in the old 
Winthrop desk. Now do you believe in my 
integrity? *’ 

It was only the triumphant glance of the man’s 
eye that kept Patty from believing him. She 
reasoned that if he were an honest messenger 
he would be earnestly anxious but not victori- 
ously glad. 

His air of having conquered gave an immedi- 
ate impression of expected opposition and she 
was on her guard. 

If Farnsworth had really told him the papers 
were in that old desk he would, she felt sure, 
have confided it to her, and not have announced 
it with an air of braggadocio. 

“ It isn’t a question of your integrity,” she 
replied, “ but a matter of fact. The papers 
are not in this old desk.” 

Colton strode forward and threw the desk 
open. 

“Where are the secret drawers?” he asked, 
abruptly. 

“ Here,” and Patty showed him the small 
[* 48 ] 


A Desperate Situation 

hidden springs that opened the concealed spaces 
so often found in old desks. 

With meticulous care, Colton went all over the 
desk, measuring and calculating, in his en- 
deavour to find the papers. But he at last 
turned a baffled face to Patty. 

She looked pleasantly interested, but said 
simply, “ You are mistaken, you see.” 

“ As to the desk, yes, but I must find the 
papers. Sorry, Miss Fairfield, but my duty 
must be done. I believe what I seek is in this 
room, and I must make search for it. With 
your permission — or without ” 

“ Oh, go ahead,” Patty laughed, for she 
deemed it wiser to make no objection, “ search 
all you like. May .1 stay here, or would you 
rather be alone.” 

“ Stay, please,” and a shrewd glance was 
thrown toward her. 

An indicative glance it was, too, — though it 
was not meant to be. But Patty’s quick wits 
told her that he wished her to remain, hoping 
she would by some involuntary glance, disclose 
the hiding-place. 

This gave her new courage, and she deter- 
mined to look anywhere save toward the old 
album that held the papers. If he should find 
[ 249 ] 


Patty-Bride 

them, she would defend them with her life, if 
need be, she thought. But if they were not 
discovered the victory was hers. She was con- 
vinced now that this was no emissary of Farns- 
worth’s. Had he been, he would have gone 
back for further instructions, before he made 
such desperate search. 

Moreover, his attitude would have been confi- 
dential and persuasive, — not belligerent and 
domineering. 

So she watched him, a little amused smile on 
her face, that gave no hint of her perturbation 
of spirit. 

She carefully let her eyes follow the directions 
taken by his own, but never by any chance led 
him to a fresh field of search. 

Frequently he looked up quickly, hoping to 
catch her gaze straying to the real hiding-place, 
but Patty was too canny for that. 

Once or twice she allowed him to intercept a 
furtive glance, carefully turned in the wrong 
direction, and her look of embarrassment led 
him to turn his attention that way. 

But all to no purpose. He looked every- 
where, as he supposed, where the packet could 
have been hidden. He even moved the books 
on the side table, taking up the album itself, and 
[250] 


A Desperate Situation 

laying it down again, assuming that the thick 
packet could not be between the leaves of any 
book. 

And now came Patty’s supreme test of nerve 
and poise. 

“ I suppose you think you’re very smart,” he 
said, irritatedly, “ to have hidden the thing so 
securely.” 

“ It must be so, if that exhaustive search of 
yours failed to find it,” she replied, but not 
triumphantly at all. “ However, you must re- 
member that I assured you I hadn’t the papers. 
You cannot, therefore, expect me to be sur- 
prised that you didn’t unearth them.” 

“ I salute you, Miss Fairfield, as an exceed- 
ingly clever young woman in more ways than 
one. I cannot tarry longer, ” 

“Afraid you’ll be caught here?” Patty 
couldn’t resist this fling. 

“No; I must report to Captain Farnsworth. 
He will send some one else, doubtless, who may 
succeed where I have failed.” 

“ Let us hope so,” said Patty, drily. 


CHAPTER XVI 



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Patty at the piano, sang out the stirring words 
of the refrain and then began on the second 
verse : 


[252] 


The Flag and the Girl Back Home 

Our Soldier Boy is a tip-top sort, 

And wherever he may roam, 

His colours are unfurled for the freedom of the 
world 

And the smile of a girl back home. 

When it’s “Forward, March!” he is on the 
job 

With his cheek aglow and his heart athrob; 
When it’s “ Ready, Fire! ” with a Hip-hooray! 
He’ll fight ’em to a finish for the U. S. A. 

Then a rousing Hip-hooray for our Soldier 
Boys 

And pluck will win the day for our Soldier 
Boys, 

Off they go to smash the foe, 

And that’s just the surest thing you know ! 
Then sing out a brave “ March On! ” to our 
Soldier Boys, 

The war will yet be won by our Soldier Boys, 
Colours flying for Victory ! 

For the Flag and the Girl back home ! 

Patty wound up with a grand flourish of voice 
and piano keys, just as Helen came in. 

“ Oh, Patty,” she cried, “ is it all right? ” 

“ Yes, I think so, — I hope so, — but what did 

[253] 


Patty-Bride 

happen, Bumble? Who is Sergeant Colton, 
and what do you mean by your telephone 
message? ” 

Half hysterical, Helen told the whole story of 
her experiences of the night before. She con- 
fessed fully and frankly that she had babbled 
unthinkingly, and that Mrs. Lummis had made 
use of her revelations. 

“ Did anybody come here?” she asked, 
eagerly. 

“ I should say yes ! ” Patty returned, but 
Helen’s fear and misery were so poignant, v 
Patty’s kind heart wouldn’t let her scold the 
culprit. 

“ You saved the day by telephoning, Bumble, 
if you hadn’t, there would have been very grave 
trouble. Now, don’t think any more about it; 
but Pm not going to let you know things after 
this. You were terribly thoughtless, but I know 
you must have suffered from remorse and re- 
gret, so let’s not talk any more about it. The 
papers are safe, so far. Pm sorry it is known 
that I have them, — but even that isn’t positively 
known. Your Mrs. Lummis is a spy, or, at 
least, conniving with spies. It was strange you 
should drift into her house in that way, but 
spies are everywhere now. Run upstairs, dear, 
[ 254 ] 


The Flag and the Girl Back Home 

and get your things off, and get calmed down. 
Don’t worry over what you’ve done, and — 
listen, Helen, don’t tell anybody, not even Nan, 
about it. You must learn to keep your mouth 
shut. Now, I forgive you, and I’ll forget what 
has happened, if you’ll promise never to talk to 
any one, not even to me, about secret service 
matters or papers or anything pertaining to 
Captain Farnsworth’s or my connection with 
affairs of state.” 

“ I will promise, Patty, and you’re awful good 
to me. I was careless and thoughtless, but that 
woman was so kind and wheedlesome, she got 
it out of me before I knew it.” 

“ I see just how it was. You don’t appreci- 
ate or realise the deep responsibility of these 
secret matters. I do, and so, remember, even 
you and I must never mention them again.” 

Helen went off to her room, and Patty turned 
back to the piano. 

It was a habit of hers to sing when perturbed 
or anxious, and this new song was a favourite 
with her, and she sang it with a clear, vibrant 
energy that made the house ring with melody. 

“ Colours flying for Victory, 

For the Flag and the Girl back home I ” 
[ 255 ] 


Patty-Bride 

“ That’s a great little old song! ” said a voice 
behind her, and Patty looked up to see Phil Van 
Reypen coming into the room. 

“Yes, isn’t it? I like it best of all the new 
war songs. There’s a fine swing to the music, 
and a stunning accompaniment. When did you 
come up from the South? At break of 
day ? ” 

“ Just about. And Pm here only for a few 
minutes, but I have a warning for you. Be very 
careful, Patty,” Phil drew nearer and lowered 
his voice, “ of anything Farnsworth may trust 
to you. You remember Herron? ” 

“ Oh, yes.” 

“ He is a spy, or rather, a tool of a spy. In 
our uniform, among our soldiers, he has been 
suspected of selling our secrets. That whole 
performance at the Country Club was a cooked- 
up job. Munson was the plotter, and he was 
trying to get from your pocket the letter that 
he hoped was another and a more important 
paper. Since then, they have worked silently 
toward the same end. Beware of Herron, 
Patty, but don’t let him know you suspect him. 
It is only suspicion so far, nothing has been 
proved, but he is under strict surveillance.” 

“ Phil,” and Patty’s heart beat fast, “ I would 
[256] 


The Flag and the Girl Back Home 

defend Bill’s confidential matters with my very 
life. Something has happened, — but I feel it’s 
better not to tell you the details. Tell me this, 
though. Supposing some one came to me, pur- 
porting to be sent by Captain Farnsworth and 
using as a token of faith a word dear and 
familiar to Bill and myself. Could that have 
been learned by an outsider and used, or, would 
you think it really meant a message from 
Bill? ” 

“ Distrust it, Patty. These people have almost 
incredible powers of getting hold of just such 
arguments or persuasions. Distrust always, — 
is the best rule toward any stranger. Farns- 
worth, if he sends you a message at all, by a 
man who is a stranger to you, will make it so 
that you can have no possible doubt of its 
truth.” 

Patty drew a sigh of relief. “ Just what I 
thought,” she said. “ But I’m frightened, 
Philip. I feel so weak, so inexperienced, to 
defend these secrets. It is a terrible responsi- 
bility.” 

“ It is, Patty, of course. But, look at it this 
way. Whatever Farnsworth asks of you, he 
feels you are capable of accomplishing. So, 
make good, — justify his faith in you, by bravely 
[ 257 ] 


Patty-Bride 

accepting the responsibility, and succeeding in 
the task.” 

“I can do anything when I feel I’m helping 
him,” said Patty, softly. “ Anything to help 
him along, with 

Colours flying for Victory, 

For the Flag and the Girl back home ! ” 

“ Of course you can.” 

Van Reypen’s heart contracted as he looked 
at Patty’s lovely face, aglow with love and 
patriotism. He was slowly but very surely 
coming round to the opinion that he could never 
win her heart away from Farnsworth. He 
had hoped to do this, not in any dishonourable 
way, but only in confidence of his own devo- 
tion, and a hope that Patty’s affection for 
Farnsworth was but a temporary infatuation. 

But it was becoming more and more clear to 
him, that Patty’s heart was given once and for 
all time to his rival, and though deeply disap- 
pointed, Phil was man enough not to whine. 

Besides, his motto was, “ the game’s never out 
till it’s played out,” and he had not yet aban- 
doned all hope. Also, he was absolutely fair, 
and never by word or implication said anything 

[258] 


The Flag and the Girl Back Home 

to Farnsworth’s disparagement or obtruded 
himself unduly. 

“ That’s what I sing every time I go up in my 
airplane,” he said. “ For the Flag and the 
Girl back home ! ” 

“ I know your Flag, — but who’s your girl? ” 

“ You are.” 

“Nixy!” Patty laughed in her gay, sweet 
fashion. Secure in her single-hearted devotion 
to Bill, she felt no fear of Philip, and treated 
him with a serene un-self-consciousness, that 
went far to convince him of the hopelessness of 
his suit. 

“ Oh, yes, you’re my girl, even if you aren’t 
My Girl!” 

u You mean even if Pm not your only girl. 
Would you be surprised, Philip, my child, to 
learn that I- know more about Your Girl than 
you do?” 

“ Meaning you know more about yourself 
than I can possibly know about you? ” 

“ No; that isn’t what I mean a little bit! But 
I won’t tell you now, only some time, I will 
tell you the meaning of my cryptic utterance! ” 

“ Glad to be informed, at your convenience, 
ma’am.” 

And then Helen came into the room, and leav- 

[259] 


Patty-Bride 

ing her to entertain Van Reypen, Patty ran 
away to look after some of her own affairs. 

It was that same afternoon that Lieutenant 
Herron called. 

Patty was inclined to refuse to see him, and 
then thought better of that, for, she argued to 
herself, perhaps she could learn something 
from him. 

She went down to greet him, with a pleasant 
smile and a courteous manner. 

To her surprise, she found him in a perturbed 
and nervous state, fidgeting about the room as 
he awaited her appearance. 

“ Sit down, won’t you? ” she invited, but he 
shook his head. 

“ I’m here only for a minute, I had to come. 
Patty,” he grasped her two hands in his own, 
and glanced wildly about, * I’m frantic be- 
cause of love for you ” 

“Lieutenant Herron!” Patty cried, startled 
by his strange demeanour and trying to release 
her hands from his burning grasp. 

“ Don’t! don’t repulse me! Patty, you little 
darling, I’m crazy I know, — but I can’t help 
it ! I’ve loved you from the first minute I laid 
eyes on you ! That my case is hopeless, I can’t 
— I won’t believe ! Oh, have pity on me, — - — ” 
[260] 


The Flag and the Girl Back Home 

The man quite broke down, and raising Patty’s 
hands to his lips he covered them with burning 
kisses. 

Patty was not frightened. Often in her life 
she had experienced the sensation of a sudden 
and unexpected outbreak such as this, and she 
was entirely mistress of the situation. 

But she was conscious of a strong desire to 
ask this suspected man a few leading questions 
as to certain matters, yet it seemed a mean thing 
to take advantage of his protestations of affec- 
tion for her. 

But, she reflected, all’s fair in love and war, 
and if she could find out something that her 
Little Billee wanted to know, it surely could 
not be wrong. 

“ Please, Lieutenant Herron,” she said, at last 
drawing away her hands; “ I know I have only 
to remind you that you are talking to the 
affianced wife of another man to make you 
realise what you are doing. As a soldier and 
a gentleman you will not, I am sure, continue 
such avowals. Please, don’t, and I will prom- 
ise to forget what you have just said. Did you 
come on an errand? ” 

“ Only this. My only errand is to tell you 
of my love and beg for a ray of hope.” 


Patty-Bride 

It was not going to be so easy, after all, 
Patty discovered, but she said, gently, “ There 
is no ray of hope for you, Mr. Herron, and I 
am sure it is the kindest thing to tell you so at 
once. I am appreciative of your regard, but 
I am also exceedingly surprised. I cannot feel 
that I have given you any encouragement or 
any reason to think I have an especial interest 
in you.” 

V No, — you haven’t given me what could be 
called encouragement, I know, and I suppose 
I ought to have known better than to fall over 
head and ears in love with your exquisite face 
and winning personality. But we cannot rule 
our hearts always, and the moment I saw you I 
knew it was all up with me.” 

The frank, boyish face was pathetic in its utter 
woe, and Patty felt truly sorry for him. 

“ I think,” she said, smiling, “ the best thing 
to do is to drop this subject right here and now. 
Indeed I must insist on your doing so if I con- 
tinue to talk to you. Where are you stationed 
now? ” 

“ I don’t know,' — I’m on the jump. I say, 
Miss Fairfield, I’m all broken up. I guess I’ll 
go away.” 

“Very well, Mr. Herron. Make up your 
[262] 


The Flag and the Girl Back Home 

mind to forget this little episode and I will do 
the same. By the way, do you think you played 
quite fair the day we were at the Country 
Club?” 

“ Oh, that. No, I don’t. But I was so 
anxious to be with you, that I took any oppor- 
tunity that offered.” 

u Still, you didn’t have to lend yourself to — to 
underhanded proceedings.” 

“ Just what do you mean? ” 

Herron, Patty saw, was on his guard at once. 
But so was she. No word, she determined, 
should be spoken by her that might be misused. 

“ If you don’t know, I don’t either,” she 
parried. 

“ Then we neither of us know, and that’s best 
after all,” he returned, gravely. “ Now, Miss 
Fairfield, I’m going — out of your life forever. 
I’ve told you my sorry story, — but I hope I’m 
man enough to accept your dismissal properly. 
No matter what I’ve been or done, I’m going 
to do something for you now. At least, for the 
man you love, — and that’s for you, — isn’t it? ” 

“ Yes,” breathed Patty, wondering what was 
coming. 

“ Well, it’s just this. When you see Captain 
Farnsworth, — don’t on any account trust this to 
[263] 




Patty-Bride 

writing, — when you see him, alone, tell him to 
watch out for a certain wire-puller in Wash- 
ington. Tell him that he’s trying to sidetrack 1 
him into the Searchlight gang, ” 

“ Who is the man? ” 

“ I can’t speak his name. But tell Captain 
Farnsworth that it begins with S and ends with 
s. He’ll know.” 

“ If this is straight goods, I’m much obliged 
to you, Mr. Herron.” 

“ It is. It’s gospel truth, and Farnsworth 
will be glad to know it. Moreover, he’ll be 
greatly surprised. But it will be to him val- 
uable information. When shall you see 
him? ” 

“ I don’t know. I doubt if it is soon.” 

“ Can you telephone — no, don’t do that. Do 
you have a cipher code ? ” 

“ No, we don’t. But wouldn’t a sealed and 
registered letter do? ” 

“ No; it’s unsafe. Try to see him as soon as 
you can. Now I must go. I suppose I mayn’t 
ask you for anything for a — a keepsake ” 

Patty’s gentle heart was touched by the sad- 
ness in the poor chap’s face, and she looked 
about. On the table lay a little book of verses 
that«she was fond of and had often read. 

[264] 


The Flag and the Girl Back Home 

“ Take this,” she said, kindly. “ It’s so tiny 
you can put it in your pocket.” 

Gratefully he accepted the souvenir, and as 
he bowed himself out, Patty couldn’t help ad- 
miring his big manly figure and his military 
bearing. 

She wandered to the piano, and absent-mind- 
edly ran over the chorus of 

“ Colours flying for Victory, 

For the Flag and the Girl back home.” 

The ringing of the telephone bell brought her 
to her feet. 

“ Yes,” said a well-loved voice, “ it’s Your 
Own. I’ll be with you in about twenty min- 
utes. Good-bye.” 

“ My gracious goodness ! ” exclaimed Patty to 
herself. “ What a sudden one he is, to be 
sure! He fairly takes my breath away! ” 

She ran to spread the good news. 

“Little Billee’s coming!” she cried to Nan 
and Helen, who were in the sitting-room, wait- 
ing to hear the account of Lieutenant Herron’s 
call. But this new information quite eclipsed 
their interest in Herron. 

“ Really! ” cried Nan. “ When? How long 
will he stay? ” 


[265] 


Patty-Bride 

“ Dunno. Didn’t get any details, only he’ll 
be here in twenty minutes and thank goodness, 
that other person has departed.” 

“Herron? What’d he come for, anyway?” 

“ On an errand,” and Patty smiled to think 
of the ridiculous boy daring to make love to 
her. “ He had a bee in his bonnet, — a most 
foolish bee, and I had to get it out for him. 
Oh, my Little Billee’s coming! I’m so 
glad! ” 

She danced about the room, scarce able to con- 
trol her impatience for the necessary twenty 
minutes. 

“How can I wait?” she frowned, “ seems’s 
if I’d just perfectly fly! ” 

“ Go and sing that favourite song of yours,” 
advised Nan. “ That always keeps you con- 
tented.” 

“ I do like it, but I’m too happy to sing. I 
want to dance or fly ! ” 

Patty executed some most intricate and mar- 
vellous dancing steps and like a fairy girl in- 
deed, she looked, as with waving arms and 
graceful gestures, she pirouetted round the 
room. 

“ Daughter of the Regiment,” she announced, 
as she fell into martial step and to the accom- 
[266] 


The Flag and the Girl Back Home 

paniment of the Soldier Boy song, she marched 
down stairs. 

Helen followed. 

“ Nixy, Bumble, my pet,” Patty said; “ sorry, 
but I’ve just got to see my own Little Billee 
all alone. So, you’ll forgive me if I drop a 
gentle hint that you’re not invited.” 

“ I know that, Patsy; but listen a minute. I 
just want to say this. If you think better to tell 
Bill about what I did, you tell him. I’d hate 
to have him know it, I admit, but if it’s right, 
why, tell him, and I’ll take the blame.” 

“ That’s a goody girl, Bumble, dear, but I 
don’t believe it will be necessary. Anyway, I’ll 
know that I have your permission to tell and 
I’ll see if I think it’s best to do so. Probably 
I’ll think it’s better not to tell him, for no 
real harm was done, you know, — and yet, 
it may be that I’ll think he ought to know 
all.” 

“ What did Lieutenant Herron want, Patty? ” 

“ Me.” 

“ What do you mean? ” 

“ What I say. He actually had the nerve to 
tell me he admired me. I thought of sending 
for you and offering you as a substitute. But 
truly, Bumble, honey, he isn’t a reliable citizen. 
[267] 


Patty-Bride 

He’s — well, we won’t say it out loud, — but he 
isn’t our sort.” 

“ I know it. I know a lot about him. But 
did he really dare lift his eyes to you, Patty? ” 

“ He really did. You see a soldier is of 
necessity a brave man, and it seems Lieutenant 
Herron is one of the bravest.” 

“ Brave ! He’s a blind bat, if he thinks you’d 
look at him twice ! ” 

“ Or once even. You see my heart and hands 
are full with the one man in the world for me, 
and Mr. Herron’s sentiments are not even 
interesting to me. And now, my dearest 
cousin, if you’ll take your departure, I’ll com- 
pose myself to await my visitor. Sit still, my 
fluttering heart! ” 


[268] 


CHAPTER XVII 


PATTY AND BILL 

W ATCHING from the window, Patty 
saw him coming and in a moment the 
big man had gathered the dainty little 
figure into his arms. 

“ Blossom Girl,” he whispered, “ my own 
Patty Precious, are you glad to be here?” 

“Well, I just am! ” and Patty drew back to 
look in his eyes, and then flung her arms round 
his neck in a burst of joyous gladness. “ But 
you’re so high up, Little Billee, — I can’t reach.” 

“Going up!” said Bill, and he swung her 
from the floor up into his close embrace. 

“ There ! ” he said, after a series of kisses, 
“ now, will you be good! ” 

Patty, laughing and breathless, was deposited 
on the sofa, and Bill sat down beside her. 

“ You blessed angel,” he said, looking at her 
as if he could never look his fill, “ I wish I 
could just talk love nonsense to you, instead 
of telling you what I must.” 

[269], 


Patty-Bride 

“Is it very bad, dear?” and Patty’s smile 
faded at the serious look in her lover’s eyes. 

“ Pretty bad, Patty-Pet, but a soldier’s life is 
not a lazy one. To put it as briefly as possible, 
I’m ordered to France.” 

“ Bill-lee! Me, too?” 

“ ’Fraid not, Sweetheart, it’s a special mission 
and a hurry call, and all sorts of disagreeable 
stipulations.” 

“ What are you going for? ” 

“ For my country’s good, I hope.” 

“ I mean what are you going to do? ” 

“ Dearest, it would take too long to explain, 
and you couldn’t altogether understand it, any- 
way, but in a few words, it’s to look after some 
mining operations. You see, my plans for in- 
vestigating a certain coal mine district in France 
have been approved by the Powers That Be. 
It seems that there has been a ghastly destruc- 
tion of the mines by the enemy and the coal 
supply for the railroads is imperilled and all 
sorts of troubles are toward. So re-construc- 
tion is necessary, if they are to get coal for 
the Allies’ use in the Northeast part of Fair 
France. My experience in re-building wrecked 
mines in Colorado counts for a lot, and so I’m 
picked for duty.” 


[270] 


Patty and Bill 

“You wonderful man!” and Patty’s eyes 
gleamed with admiration as she looked at the 
eager, fine face, full of efficiency and enthusi- 
asm. “ Oh, and Billee, dear, that reminds me, 
Lieutenant Herron said to tell you to watch out 
for a certain wire-puller in Washington ” 

“ Wait a minute, Patty, can we be over- 
heard? ” 

“ No; but I’ll close this door.” 

“ I’ll close it, but remember, dear, you must 
never tell secrets where any servant or any one 
at all can by chance learn of them.” 

“ All right. Well, Mr. Herron said to watch 
out for this person, for he is trying to sidetrack 
you into the Searchlight gang, — whatever 
that is.” 

“Herron said this? Did he tell you the 
name ? ” 

“ He said it began with S and ended with s, 
and that you’d know from that ” 

“Whew! Did Herron say that! Why, 
Patty, — are you sure?” 

“ Yes, sure; and he said you’d be surprised but 
you’d be glad of the information.” 

“ I should say so ! Why, Patty, you’ve no 
idea of the enormous importance of that warn- 
ing! Him! Well, well!” 

[271] 


Patty-Bride 

“ I’m so glad to help you, Billee ” 

“ Plow did Herron happen to tell you? ” 
Patty hesitated. “ Well,” she said, blush- 
ingly, “ Lieutenant Herron did me the honour 

to make love to me ” 

“ What ! what do you mean by 4 make love ’ ? ” 
“ Nothing! Please don’t bite my head off! I 
only mean he seemed to admire me, — or said he 
did, — and I sent him flying.” 

“ I should say so ! The scoundrel ” 

“ Oh, come, now, Little Billee, he may be a 
scoundrel, — I’m told he is one, — but not be- 
cause he admired me ! A cat may look at a 
king.” 

“ But no cat or king or scrubby little lieutenant 
may look at my Patty Blossom! ” 

“ Oh, he didn’t! The Miss Fairfield he 
looked at is a very different personage from 
your Patty Blossom.” 

“How, different?” 

“ Well,” and Patty sprang up, “ this is the 
lady he saw.” 

She stood, with a most dignified air, and a 
coldly courteous expression, looking a little 
bored, and exceedingly formal. 

Then she broke into a happy smile, and hold- 
ing out her arms in a lovely gesture of welcome 
[272] 


Patty and Bill 

came toward Farnsworth, her blue eyes beam- 
ing w r ith love and happiness, saying, “ and this 
is your Patty Blossom! ” 

Farnsworth jumped for her in an ecstasy of 
gladness, and Herron’s presumptuous intrusion 
was forgotten. 

“ And just when do you go to France? ” asked 
Patty, after a time. 

“ Dunno. I’m awaiting orders.” 

“ And you’ll stay here till you go?” She 
nestled comfortably in his arms, and smiled up 
into his loving face. 

“ Nay, nay, my lady fair. I’m even now oil 
my way to Springfield.” 

“Springfield! Whatever for ? ” 

“ Making some tests for the Government.” 

“ Tests of what? ” 

“ Honey-girl, you can’t understand, — but it’s 
a test of the water- or moisture-resisting quali- 
ties of certain explosives used in the setting off 
of blasts ” 

“ Oh, Little Billee, you’ll be blown up ! ” 

“ Well, we’ll hope not.” 

“ Why can’t the people who make the explo- 
sives do their own testing?” 

“ You see, it has to be a Government test, — • 
to decide between various competitors.” 

[ 273 ] 


Patty-Bride 

“ You’re not the Government.” 

“ Yes, I am, in so far as they entrust these 
things to me.” 

“ Oh, Little Billee, — Captain, my Captain, 
I’m so proud of you ! I do believe you’re the 
biggest man in the Service, — and I don’t mean 
physically, now.” 

“ Hardly that, Blossom, but I do have respon- 
sibilities.” 

“ Do they wear on you? ” 

“They do, indeed! So, for just a few mo- 
ments I’m going to forget them utterly, and 
only remember the touch of your pink blossom 
fingers and the sweetness of your flower-face.” 

“ Dear Big Little Billee ! For such a strong 
person you are very gentle.” 

“To you how could I be otherwise? Now, 
Pattibelle, what about it? Can you make our 
wedding-day an earlier date, and go along 
with me?” 

“ You said I couldn’t go ! ” 

“ You can, if you’ll marry me in time. But I 
just ’most know you won’t.” 

“ Oh, I couldn’t, dear. Why, you may go 
any day, now.” 

“ Yes, but — can’t, — won’t you go, too? ” 

The wistfulness in the earnest face touched 
[ 274 ] 


Patty and Bill 

Patty’s heart, but she couldn’t quite say yes to 
this question. 

“ How long do you expect to be over there? ” 
“ I’ve no idea. It may be for years and it 

may be forever ” 

“What?” 

“ Oh, I don’t mean that literally ” 

“ You won’t be at the front? ” 

“ Oh, no; unless some emergency calls for it.” 
“ Well,” and Patty sighed, “ I see I’ll have to 
be sensible for us both. In the first place, dear, 

you’d be hampered with a bride ” 

“ Hampered ! Oh, Patty ! ” 

“ You wouldn’t, — but your work would. I 
see it more clearly than you do. All you think 
of is to get me to go with you. But you don’t 
realise how it would bother you to have me 
along. Why, I doubt if you’d be allowed to 
take me, anyway.” 

“ Maybe I wouldn’t,” and Farnsworth 
frowned. “ But, then, how can I leave you? 
Oh, my little Posy Face, you don’t know yet 
what you mean to me ! And, — after I’m gone, 
— you’d — Patty! you’d flirt, — you know you 
would!” 

“Oh, no! no!” and the big blue eyes were 
full of mock horror. “ Oh, no, I’d take the 
[ 275 ] 


Patty-Bride 

veil and do nothing but weep until you came 
back.” 

“ You little rascal, — how you do love to tease 
me ! ” 

And as a matter of fact, Patty did. Whole- 
hearted, single-hearted, her love was all Farns- 
worth’s — once and forever, but her gay nature 
made her love to play on his big, honest sensi- 
tive heart as on a lute. 

“ I do,” she said, calmly, as she twined her 
little pink fingers into his big, strong ones, 
“ because you take teasing so beautifully! ” 

“Scallywag! I think I’ll just grab you up 
and carry you off, — willy-nilly ! ” 

“ I never did know what willy-nilly means, and 
I’d love to find out.” 

“ You’ll find out when you’re my wife ! I ex- 
pect you to obey my lightest word ! I shall be 
a regular caveman ! ” 

“ You’re big enough, but you’ve got about as 
much of the ‘ caveman ’ temperament as a 
kitten ! ” 

Farnsworth laughed, well knowing that the 
soft, gentle personality of the girl he loved 
would never be cowed or coerced by his will. 
He knew he could persuade her through love, 
where harsher means would be useless. 

[276] 


Patty and Bill 

Big Bill Farnsworth perfectly understood 
Patty’s nature, and her little inconsistencies and 
whimsicalities bothered him not a whit. 

He was most desirous to take her to France 
with him, but he knew too, that her common- 
sense view of that matter was the right one. 
He knew that, even were he allowed to take 
a wife with him, there would be many rude 
experiences, even dangers, which Patty must 
face, and yet he shrank from the thought of 
leaving her for an indefinite, perhaps for a 
very long time. 

Farnsworth went on to Springfield with the 
question still unsettled. 

At least, to his satisfaction, Patty declared 
that it was settled. She bravely accepted the 
fact of his necessary absence because it was his 
duty to his country, and Patty was patriotic 
first, last and all the time. 

“Don’t you care?” asked Helen, curiously; 
“ what are you made of, Patty, that you can 
let him go? ” 

Patty’s eyes filled with tears. 

“ I suppose it does look strange to you, 
Bumble,” she said; “ but you don’t understand, 
dear. I know Billee would do better work and 
get along with less care and anxiety without me 

[277] 


Patty-Bride 

than with me. I know I should be a hindrance 
and I daren’t go. I mustn’t put a straw in the 
way of his splendid career, — I mustn’t be the 
least mite of a millstone about his neck. It is 
because my love for him is so complete, so all- 
enveloping, — that I know I must sacrifice my- 
self to it — and to him.” 

“ But, Patty, he’ll think you don’t want to go.” 

“ I know that, Helen. And that I have to 
bear, too. If he knew how I want to go, — 
how I long to go, — how it seems as if I must 
go, — he never would go off without me! I 
have to bid him good-bye, smilingly, — even 
though my heart breaks after he is gone.” 

“ Forgive me, Patty, I did misjudge you. 
You are bigger than I am. I should be too 
selfish to look at it as you do.” 

“ Perfect love casts out selfishness, Helen, 
even as it casts out fear. I know I am right. 
I’ve thought it all out for myself. It is my 
duty to stay at home, and to send my Billee 
away, with only words of cheer and Godspeed. 
It is my duty not to let him know my real feel- 
ings, — I mean the depth of sorrow and grief 
that I feel at his going. It is my duty to make 
it as easy for him to go as I possibly can, — and 
that can only be done by a light, even seemingly 
[278] 


Patty and Bill 

careless attitude on my part. I know what I’m 
talking about, dear, and I know that if he knew 
what is really in my heart for him, — he would 
take me with him — or, — stay at home ! Oh, I 
don’t dare, Bumble, I don’t dare let him 
know! ” 

Patty’s earnestness carried conviction, and 
Helen saw at last that Patty’s sacrifice was 
because of the greatness of her love, not the 
lack of it. 

“ But this is between you and me, Helen. 
You are to tell no one, not even Nan, that I 
feel more deeply than I show. If Billee learns 

of my — oh, Helen, ” Patty burst into 

agonised tears, “ if he should know, — and 
should coax me to go, — I couldn’t refuse 
him! I’d give in, — and I mustn’t, Bumble, I 
mustn't! ” 

The little hands clenched and the white teeth 
fairly gritted in the desperation of Patty’s 
resolve. 

And Helen at last understood that there is a 
love that is above consideration of self, and 
sacrifices personal happiness for the welfare of 
the loved one. 

The date of Farnsworth’s trip to France was 
imminent, yet uncertain, and when Patty re- 
1279 ] 


Patty-Bride 

ceived an unexpected invitation from a school 
friend to make a little visit in Washington, she 
accepted gladly. It would give her a chance to 
be near Little Billee, and her friend, Rose Bar- 
rett, would, she knew, be most kind and sym- 
pathetic. 

Helen was to go with Patty as far as Wil- 
mington, where she, too, was to visit a friend. 

“ I shall take you to your friend’s very 
house! ” Patty declared, “or else you’ll bring 
up in some alien household again ! ” 

“ Nonsense,” returned Bumble, “ I can find 
the place by myself.” 

But Patty insisted, and when the two girls 
reached Wilmington, they went together to the 
house where Helen was to stay. 

Philip Van Reypen was there to greet them, 
for he was a friend of Bumble’s hostess, and 
knew of the girls’ coming. 

And then, nothing would do, but that Patty 
must stay there over night and go to the Avia- 
tion Field next morning to see the stunts there. 

Quite willing, Patty agreed, and telephoned to 
Rose Barrett not to expect her till the follow- 
ing day. 

The trip to the Aviation Field ;was full of 
novelty and pleasure. Fascinated, Patty 
[280] 


Patty and Bill 

watched the great machines as they swept 
and swerved and was interested in all the 
details and wonders of the whole place. 

A gay young Lieutenant by the name of Breen 
was introduced and Patty found him a most 
pleasant and intelligent guide. With him she 
went about, seeing things, while Van Reypen 
escorted Helen. 

“ Wouldn’t you like to go for a little fly, Miss 
Fairfield?” asked Breen, presently. 

“ I’d love to,” said Patty, her eyes sparkling 
at the thought, “ I’m just crazy to, but I can’t, 
thank you.” 

“Why not?” 

“ I promised not to, — promised somebody to 
whom I always keep my promises.” 

“Ah, a man?” 

“ Yes, a man, though I usually keep my prom- 
ises to women, too.” 

“ A bad promise is better broken than kept,” 
Breen said, laughingly; “ come on in, — the air’s 
fine!” 

“ Fie, fie, Lieutenant, to tempt me to break 
my promises! Pm ashamed of you! ” 

“ But you’d like to go? ” 

“ If I hadn’t promised — yes.” 

“ Oh, all right, I won’t tempt you. I know 
[281] 


Patty-Bride 

just how you feel. We all have to keep prom- 
ises sometimes that we wish we didn’t.” 

The jolly young man continued to keep her 
interested in the sights and at last he said, 
“ Suppose you just get in here, and see how it 
seems, I don’t mean to fly, you know, but just 
have the experience of getting in and out 
again.” 

Patty consented to this, and took her seat as 
directed. 

Just how it all came about, she never quite 
knew, but soon she found herself gently rising 
from the ground. 

“ We’re going! ” she exclaimed. “ Oh, let me 
out!” 

“Steady!” said Breen, his eyes on his 
machinery; “don’t speak to me. Yes, we’re 
going for a tiny spin, and you can have it out 
with me afterward.” 

Patty was aghast, but she realised with her 
quick common-sense that she must not speak to 
Breen, or distract his attention in any way. 

But she said quietly, “ Please put me out as 
soon as you can.” 

A light laugh was his reply, and they soared 
higher. 

Finding herself utterly unable to prevent the 
[282] 


Patty and Bill 

trip, and knowing not at all how long it would 
last or where it would terminate, Patty, with 
her usual adjustment to circumstances, allowed 
herself to enjoy it. The day was perfect, the 
air cold and clear, and the sensation of the 
strange motion wonderfully exhilarating. 

After a short time her tense muscles relaxed 
a bit, and she breathed more freely. She 
didn’t feel afraid, but felt a strong nervous ten- 
sion, and an intense desire to get down again. 
She tried to speak to Breen, in spite of his 
warning, but the noise of the motor drowned 
her voice. 

She looked about, or tried to, when suddenly 
she became aware that a strand of her hair 
had loosened and was caught in something. 

Terribly frightened, and feeling sure that to 
move her head would precipitate some awful 
disaster, Patty put her wits to work. 

Her hair was caught in a piston at the side 
of the machine, and any gentle movement failed 
to loosen it. A stronger jerk would tear her 
hair out by the roots, and Patty wondered if 
this were not what she ought to do to avert 
worse disaster. 

She bethought herself of a tiny pair of scissors 
in her little handbag and wondered if she could 

[283] 


Patty-Bride 

get them. It was a difficult process, but she 
managed it at last, only by getting them with 
one hand and being obliged to drop the bag 
overboard in the process. It contained money 
and some small valuables, but all Patty thought 
of now, was to release her head from that ever 
increasing pull. 

Cautiously she raised her hand, calculating the 
direction with difficulty. 

But she managed to accomplish her aim, and 
with several short steady clips she severed the 
strand of hair and liberated her strained 
head. 

Quite unconsciously she clung to the scissors, 
and though she realised the great danger was 
over, she felt faint with the reaction. 

After what seemed an interminable time, they 
reached the ground again, having really made 
a very short flight. 

“There, Miss Fairfield,” said Lieutenant 
Breen, gaily, “ you’ve had a fly, and yet you’ve 
kept your promise! For you certainly did not 
go of your own volition! Why, — what’s the 
matter ? ” 

Patty looked at him with such reproach and 
scorn that the boy, — for he was little more, — 
was overcome with dismay. 

[284] 


Patty and Bill 

“ How could you? ” she stormed, u have you 
any idea how offended I am?” 

“No, ma’am, I haven’t!” he said, dum- 
foundedly; “ I — I thought you’d like it.” 

Suddenly Patty realised that he thought she 
was a giddy girl who would love the lark as he 
planned it, and who was only kept from giving 
consent by a foolish promise. He had no idea 
her promise was to her a sacred rite, and to 
break it was her horror. Moreover, he knew 
nothing of the danger she had been through. 
When she showed him her clipped lock of hair, 
he was even more distressed than she. 

“Oh, I am so sorry! Can you ever forgive 
me! What pluck! Miss Fairfield, you are a 
heroine ! ” 

And indeed Patty was. She was praised and 
exploited and complimented on her bravery and 
cleverness until she was positively embarrassed. 

And the Lieutenant told her that if Captain 
Farnsworth had any punishment in store for 
him, he would submit to it without a murmur. 

“ But,” he grinned, “ it’s something to tell of 
all my life ! Cut off her hair on the fly ! Gee 
whiz ! ” 


^[285] 


CHAPTER XVIII 


patty’s wedding 

“A ND I went up in an aeroplane,” Patty 

/A said, looking squarely into Bill’s blue 
eyes. 

They stood in the pretty little drawing-room 
at Rose Barrett’s. Farnsworth had just come, 
hastening to see Patty, on her arrival in Wash- 
ington. 

He held Patty’s two hands in his own, and 
after a deep gaze into the troubled eyes lifted 
to his, he said : 

“ Who tricked you into it? ” 

“ Oh, Little Billee, how did you know that 
was the way it happened? ” 

“ Why, it couldn’t happen any other way. 
You promised me you wouldn’t, and so you 
must have been coerced or tricked into it.” 

“ Just what I was ! ” and Patty described the 
whole performance. 

Farnsworth shuddered as she told of her hair 
getting caught in the piston, and drew her 
closely to him. 


[286] 


Patty’s Wedding 

“ Oh, my darling, — my blessed little girl, how 
can I go off and leave you? In these times 
nobody is safe from dangers ! But you’ll never 
even run such a chance again, will you? ” 

“ Of course not. I’ve had my lesson ! ” 

“ And a severe one. Why, the shock might 
have made you ill.” 

“ It did, nearly. But I had to stay on deck 
till I could see you, and tell you about it. And 
then, I didn’t have to tell you ! You knew your- 
self! How did you understand so perfectly 
and so quickly? ” 

“ Patty, you and I are — well, I can’t think of 
the perfect English word. The French would 
say en rapport, the Italians would say sim- 
patica. But we are — at one, is perhaps the 
best phrase. We shall always be so. It’s 
utter trust, you know, and absolute faith in each 
other. Isn’t it, my girl? ” 

“ Yes, dear,” and Patty laid her hand caress- 
ingly on the khaki-clad shoulder of the big man, 
as she gave him a smile of perfect confidence. 
“ Oh, my Little Billee, I don’t want you to go 
away from me. I’ve just begun to realise what 
losing you will mean to me.” 

“ Perhaps it won’t be for long, dearest. 
Things look a little as if I may make only a 

[287] 


Patty-Bride 

short trip, and return soon with my reports/’ 

“ Ahem ! ” said a voice loudly and repeatedly 
outside the half-closed door. “ May I come 
in?” 

“ Come along, Rose,” laughed Patty. “ I’ll 
share my last interview with you ! ” 

“ Oh, Captain Farnsworth isn’t going right 
off, is he?” 

“ No, not today,” returned Bill. “ But of 
course, there’s no telling how soon it may be.” 

“ I want you tonight for a little party,” Rose 
went on. “ I find I can get Lieutenant Van 
Reypen and Helen Barlow over and I’m asking 
a few more. I think in these days of unrest 
we must have a bit of relaxation when we 
can.” 

u I’m with you,” said Farnsworth, heartily; 
“ I can come, I’m sure, unless something sudden 
and unexpected turns up. Count on me, Mrs. 
Barrett. But I must run away now, for I’ve 
an immediate appointment.” 

“ Isn’t he a darling! ” Rose exclaimed, as she 
and Patty watched the military figure stride 
down the street. 

u Oh, he is ! Sometimes I fear I’m not grate- 
ful enough for the love and devotion of such a 
wonderful man ! ” 


[288] 


Patty’s Wedding 

“Naughty girl! ‘ Down on your knees, and 
thank Heaven, fasting, for a good man’s love,’ 
as Friend Shakespeare puts it. Now, run away 
and get a beauty-nap, so you’ll be chipper to- 
night. I’m going to have quite a party, I can 
tell you ! ” 

Rose Barrett’s husband was in a position to 
be informed regarding certain matters, and 
Rose knew, though Patty didn’t, that in all 
probability Farnsworth would sail the next day 
for France. 

And by way of farewell and also, by way 
of introducing Patty to some friends, Rose 
planned rather an elaborate reception. 

Helen Barlow came before dinner. 

“Oh, Patsy!” she cried, in ecstasy, “I am 
having the grandest time! War is awful, of 
course, but somehow everybody who isn’t fight- 
ing, is so kind, and we’ve had wonderful experi- 
ences. I’ve been flying twice and I didn’t have 
to cut off my raving tresses, either I What did 
Bill say to scold you for going up ? ” 

“ Well, he didn’t break off our engagement,” 
Patty returned, smiling. “How’s Phil? Is 
he coming over, tonight? ” 

“ Of course he is, — he goes wherever- 2 — — ” 
Helen stopped, blushing crimson. 

[289] 


Patty-Bride 

“ Goes wherever you do? Of course he does ! 
How you do lead him on ! ” 

“ I don’t either! He has eyes only for you, 
Patty Fairfield! ” 

“ Used to have, you mean. But that was be- 
fore my enchanting cousin came on the scene.” 

“ Rubbish ! Philip’s crazy about you, still. 
Your being engaged to Little Billee doesn’t pre- 
vent that.” 

“It means nothing to me,” declared Patty; 
“ my sweetheart hath my heart and I have his, 
so, Phil may come and Phil may go, but we go 
on forever ! ” 

“ You’re poetic today! I hear Bill sails 
soon.” 

“ Dunno. That’s as may be. Oh, Bumble, 
don’t let’s think of it! ” 

Patty’s eyes filled with tears, and Helen re- 
gretted her chance allusion. 

“ Never mind, Pattikins, you must remember 
what it means to be a soldier’s sweetheart, and 
bid him good-bye, with 

* Colours flying for Victory, 

For the Flag and the Girl back home ! * 

That’s the way to look at it! ” 

U90} 


Patty’s Wedding - 

“ Yes, that’s all very well for you, — you’re 
not the Girl.” 

“ And then, he’ll return with colours still fly- 
ing, to the Girl back home, and then it will be 
June and the wedding bells will ring, and the 
birds will sing and the orange bloomers bloom 
and the khaki on the groom and the veil on 
Patty-Pat, and I’ll wear a posy hat ” 

“ Oh, Helen, hush! ” cried Patty laughing at 
the foolish chatter as Bumble danced about the 
room, waving her arms as she sang. 

“ But, truly, Patsy, you won’t have more’n 
time to get your gewgaws fixed up and your 
monogramming done, before Bill will be back 
again, and it will be June. Oh, soon! It 
will be June! and to this tune, — Turn, turn, 
te-tum! ” 

Helen sang the first strains of the wedding 
march, and Patty ran out of the room laughing, 
as Rose called her to the telephone. 

It was Farnsworth speaking. 

“ Angel child,” he said, “ can you leave what- 
ever you’re doing and do a little errand for 
your own true Loved One? ” 

“ Can I!” returned Patty. “ Your word is 
my law ! ” 

“Goody girl! Well, then, go with all pos- 

[291], 


Patty-Bride 

sible secrecy, — with bated breath and muffled 
tread, and all that, to my rooms at Mrs. 
Richards’ ” 

“What!” 

“ Even so. Don’t faint, but remember you’re 
a soldier’s bride, — -or will be some day, — and 
defying conventions go to said rooms on an 
errand for me. Will you, Patty? ” 

Bill’s tone changed to a serious note, and 
Patty knew at once it was one of those im- 
portant matters with which she was sometimes 
entrusted. 

“ Of course I will. Tell me exactly what 
to do.” 

“ Go there, as soon as you can, and tell Mrs. 
Richards who you are. She will take you to 
my rooms, and from the top drawer of my chif- 
fonier get a large white envelope, — not the blue 
one, — that’s tucked half under a pile of hand- 
kerchiefs. Take it back to Rose’s with you, 
and I’ll send there for it. See? ” 

“ Yes, my liege lord, and I fly to obey. Oh, 
I just love to do such things for you, Billy- 
Boy!” 

“ Cut along, then, and don’t let the grass grow 
under your tiny buckled slippers. Bye-bye.” 

So Patty “ cut along,” Mrs. Barrett being 
[292] 


Patty’s Wedding 

more than willing to lend her car, and soon 
the house was reached. 

Mrs. Richards heard Patty’s request and at 
once took her up to Farnsworth’s rooms. 

“ There you are, Miss Fairfield,” she said, 
“ there’s the chiffonier. Help yourself. My, 
but there’s a lot of secret errand work going 
on. I don’t know how Captain Farnsworth 
gets into a day’s work all he has to do ! I 
should think he’d be worn out, and I rather 
think he is.” 

While the lady rattled on, Patty opened 
the designated drawer and quickly found the 
envelope in question. About to close the 
drawer again, her eye was caught by a packet 
of letters tied with blue ribbon. Struck by the 
sight of such unofficial-looking documents in 
Bill’s possession, she glanced curiously at the 
outside one. It had no envelope and in a 
feminine handwriting she saw the words, “ Oh, 
you dear, splendid big hero, how I do love 
you ! ” 

Hastily realising what she was doing, she 
pushed the drawer shut and declared herself 
ready to go. 

“ Got what you want? ” asked Mrs. Richards, 
pleasantly. “ Sorry Lena isn’t home. My 
[ 293 ] 


Patty-Bride 

daughter, you know. She’d so love to see you, 
she’s just crazy to meet Captain Farnsworth’s 
hady-love. Lena’s a bit jealous of you, too! 
She thinks the Captain’s about the most won- 
derful man on earth! Mind the steps. This 
hall’s a bit dark.” 

Soon Patty was rolling off toward the Barrett 
house. Her heart was in a turmoil. What 
did that packet of blue-tied letters mean? 
They were no government documents, of that 
she was sure. They might be cipher letters or 
code affairs, and really be of military matters 
after all. 

She tried to think this, but circumstantial evi- 
dence was too strong. The girlish writing, the 
words addressed to the big hero, the blue rib- 
bon, — all seemed to say that Bill had had 
letters from somebody, — and poor Patty fell a 
victim to the green-eyed monster, and jealousy 
gnawed at her heartstrings. 

The messenger came and Patty gave him the 
important envelope, feeling a pride in her 
ability to help, yet still downcast about the blue 
ribboned packet. 

When Farnsworth arrived at the party that 
night, Patty determined to ask him to explain. 
She had had half a dozen minds about the 
[ 294 ] 


Patty’s Wedding 

matter, first decided to make no mention of it, 
then concluding she could never be happy again 
until she had heard his confession or defence. 
Perhaps some infatuated little goose had writ- 
ten to him, — and, perhaps he had never even 
answered her. But then, why keep them so 
carefully and so sentimentally? 

In a dainty fluffy white frock, Patty awaited 
Farnsworth’s coming. The party was a large 
one, but in the Barrett house were many alcoves 
and nooks where one could hold a tete-a-tete. 

And so, it was in one of these that Bill finally 
found his disconsolate little love. 

“ Hello, Sweetness,” and the familiar voice 
reached her ears just before Farnsworth strode 
into view. With a quick glance around, he took 
her in his arms for a swift, silent kiss. 

“Oh, be careful!” breathed Patty. “Some 
one will see us ! ” 

“Not so; I reconnoitred first. And how is 
my Posy Blossom? ” 

“ All right, — that is, ’most all right, ” and 

Patty looked doubtfully at the loving face bend- 
ing above her own. 

“ Out with it, — what’s the trouble? ” 

“ N-nothing.” 

“ Which, being interpreted, means something 

[29s] 


Patty-Bride 

pretty awful ! Don’t try to fool me, Pattibelle ! 
Have you been flying again? ” 

“No;” and then Patty gave a long, steady 
look into Farnsworth’s blue eyes. What she 
saw there was so reassuring, so absolutely all- 
powerful to clear away her troubles, that she 
laughed outright and said : 

“ Oh, you dear, splendid old thing, you I I’m 
not worthy of you ! ” 

u That, my child, is the one thing I won’t 
allow you to say, and unless you retract it, 
there’ll be grave trouble with tumultuous conse- 
quences. Do you take it back? ” 

I can t 

“ You’d better,” and Patty saw from Bill’s 
smile that unless she did he would indeed bring 
about some “ tumultuous consequences.” 

“ All right, — I do,” she said, hastily, as he 
prepared to swoop her into his arms. 

“ That’s not enough. Say, ‘ I am far too 
good for you.’ ” 

“Oh! I can't!” 

“ Say it!” 

The commanding officer conquered, and un- 
able to avoid the issue, Patty said, in a meek 
little voice, “ I’m far too good for you.” 

“Of course, you are! Now, what’s this 
[296] 


Patty’s Wedding 

other matter, and then we can go out to the 
party proper. I’m afraid they’ll come after us 
if we don’t.” 

u It’s nothing,” and Patty faced him squarely, 
and beamed into his wondering face. “ Yes, I 
mean that. But I’ll tell you. I saw a packet 
of love letters in your chiffonier, and I just want 
to tell you that I know it’s all right, and I’m — 
n-not jealous ! I am not ! ” 

“ Oh, you Blossom-faced little goose ! Oh, 
Patty Precious, thank you for dem kind woids ! 
Those letters, as you so sapiently assume, are 
not of a nature to rouse your jealousy.” 

And he told her what they were and of Lena’s 
request to leave them there for a time. 

“ And I forgot all about them,” he concluded 
his tale, “ nor would I have expected you to 
doubt my faithfulness and loyalty if you did 
see them.” 

“ I didn’t,” said Patty happily. 

“ No, you didn’t, but it was a narrow 
squeak! ” 

But Patty only smiled at him, and they both 
knew that neither had reason to doubt the other 
in any way. 

The party went off gaily. But though no hint 
was dropped, somehow there was a feeling in 
[ 297 ] 


Patty-Bride 

the air as of a farewell occasion, and Patty 
felt a vague unrest. 

But it was the next day before she learned the 
truth. 

In the morning Farnsworth came to the Bar- 
rett house and the moment Patty saw him, she 
knew he had come to say good-bye. 

With a white face and trembling lips she met 
him at the door. 

“ Come for a walk, will you, dear?” Farns- 
worth said gently. 

She ran for her wraps, and soon they were off 
by themselves. Unheeding the people in the 
streets, they wandered far off toward the less 
crowded areas, and after a time Farnsworth 
told her that he was to sail that night. 

“ It’s all right,” said Patty, bravely struggling 
to keep back her tears. “ I’ll be good, — I 
won’t make it harder for you by weeping and 
wailing and gnashing my teeth, — but, oh, my 
Little Billee, — I think I shall die ! ” 

“Really, Patty! Do you really care like 
that t” 

“ Oh, I do! I do! I didn’t know it myself 
till just this minute! Captain, my Captain, I 
can y t part from you.” 

[298] 


Patty’s Wedding 

“ You needn’t, Blossom Bride, you shall go 
with me ! ” 

Patty looked up in amazement, and saw in 
Farnsworth’s eyes a look she had never seen 
before. He seemed almost transfigured, the 
joy fairly radiated from his countenance. 

“ Patty,” he whispered, “ the reason I was go- 
ing without you was because I didn’t think you 
loved me quite well enough to go too. Do 
you? ” 

They had paused, and stood facing each 
other, with quickly beating hearts. There were 
no passers-by, and the sun shone straight down 
on Patty’s face, as she looked up at his 
question. 

She knew all it meant, all it implied, and with 
a firm voice that had a glorious, triumphant 
ring in it, she said, “ I do, my Heart’s Dearest, 
I do.” 

“ Then ” Farnsworth hesitated. 

“ Yes, yes,” Patty assured him. 

“You’ll go with me!” 

“ Yes, to the ends of the earth! ” 

“Patty!” 

“Little Billed” 

And right there, in broad daylight, he clasped 

[299] 


Patty-Bride 

her in his arms and gave her a kiss that sealed 
the compact once and for all. 

“ We must hop around/’ he said, laughing for 
very joy. “ Oh, Patty, we must skittle ! ” 

“We will! We can do it. I don’t care for 
anything but to go with you, — always with you. 
Are you sure I may go? ” 

“ Oh, yes, I looked out for that.” 

“ What ! You expected me to ? ” 

“ I hoped, Patty, I only hoped. Now I’ll get 
you back to Rose’s and you and she fix up the 
wedding-bells. I’ll breeze in about seven with 
the minister. Can’t get things fixed before that. 
Darling! I’m crazy! You won’t change your 
mind — no, I know you won’t, my true, my loyal 
Patty Blossom! ” 

There was some scurrying about when Patty 
told Rose. That efficient young woman tele- 
phoned for caterers, florists and musicians. 

She called up friends and invited them. She 
gave orders right and left, and harangued 
Patty in the meantime. 

“ Go for a rest first,” she said. “ Go straight 
to your room and lie down. I’ll be there in a 
few minutes. Helen will help you dress.” 

And right here for about the first time in her 
life Bumble showed efficiency. 

[300] 


Patty’s Wedding 

“ Yes,” she said, “ I will. Come along, Patty, 
and take it easy. There’s lots of time before 
seven o’clock, and you’ve nothing to do but 
dress. Come along with your old reliable, — 
your standby, the steady-going Bumble.” 

Relieved to get away from Rose’s fluster and 
hurry, Patty went with Helen. 

u I’ve got to do it, Bumble,” she said, as if 
by way of apology. “ I can’t stay here and let 

him go away, so I’m going, too ” 

“ Sure you are,” and Helen nodded, under- 
standing^. “ And, oh, by the way, Patty, 
where’s your wedding gown? ” 

“ That’s so ! Where is it? ” and Patty began 
to look over her frocks in the wardrobe. 
“ This rose-coloured one, I think.” 

“ Nixy; white, if it’s only a tub frock! Let’s 
see your white ones. Ah, here we are I ” 
Helen took down a white chiffon, daintily em- 
broidered, and pronounced it the very thing. 

Patty dressed at once, saying laughingly that 
Bill might make an even earlier start than now 
planned. 

And just as the bride-to-be completed her 
toilette, a commotion down stairs announced the 
arrival of her father and Nan. 


Patty-Bride 

“What are you doing here?” she cried, in 
amazement. 

“ We’re here for your wedding, my little 
girl,” said Mr. Fairfield, taking her in his arms. 

“ But — how did you know? How did you 
get here so quickly? ” 

“Ask Bill,” said Nan, laughingly; and then 
others crowded in, and all was bustle and 
excitement. 

At seven, Farnsworth came, looking stun- 
ningly handsome in his uniform and with a 
glow of happiness on his fine, kindly face. 

“ Are you sure, Patty? ” he whispered, as he 
met her in the hall. 

“ Sure, Little Billee,” she answered, happily. 

“ And you don’t regret the gorgeous wedding 
you were planning for June? ” 

“ I like this better,” she said, simply. 

And indeed, as a wedding, the occasion was 
all that could be desired. 

As if by magic, flowers had bloomed every- 
where. Guests in festal garb had arrived, and 
at last, to the soft strains of some stringed in- 
struments, Patty walked with her father to meet 
the man to whom she so willingly and gladly 
entrusted her life’s happiness. 

[302] 


Patty’s Wedding 

Then the guests crowded about with gay 
greetings' and good wishes. 

“ I shall miss you, Patty,” said Phil Van 
Reypen, his face clouded at the thought. 

“Good for you, Philip, do, please! But let 
me tell you a great secret; something you don’t 
dream of, — yet.” 

Patty smiled mysteriously, and whispered low, 
in Philip’s ear: 

“ Your girl is waiting for you. She doesn’t 
know it, — you don’t know it, — but 1 do ! When 
I come back from France — I hope everybody 
will know it! ” 

Van Reypen looked a little self-conscious, but 
gaily protested he didn’t know what she was 
talking about. 

And then, the time came to go. Like a dream, 
Patty saw the people all about; saw herself be- 
ing whisked upstairs and put into a travelling 
gown; saw Nan and Helen packing things; saw 
a maze of faces, a whirl of good-byes — and 
then, — she was alone with Farnsworth in a 
motor-car — and they were rolling away, as the 
jubilant orchestra played “ For the Flag and 
the Girl Back Home.” 

“ How did Father and Nan get there? ” Patty 

[303] 


Patty-Bride 

asked, as she emerged from her husband's first 
embrace. 

“ I sent for ’em. Telephoned early this 
morning, and they just made it.” 

“ Early this morning! You hadn’t asked me 
to go, then I ” 

“ Took a chance.” 

“ Oh, Little Billee ! You knew I’d go ? ” 

“ Yes, My Little Girl, I knew you’d go. I 
learned yesterday that you loved me — almost 
enough. So I sent for your people, in case my 
hopes proved true, and today you found out 
that you couldn’t get along without me.” 

“ Well. You are ” 

“What?” 

“ My lord and master, it would seem,” and 
Patty’s lovely face flushed with happiness and 
content. Farnsworth drew her close as he 
whispered: 

“ And you are my Patty Bride ! ” 

THE END 



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